Minnesota hospital security guard suffered fatal blows while allegedly pinned down by patient on Christmas

A Minnesota hospital security guard suffered fatal blows to the head while pinned to the pavement by a patient who was fleeing a “medical hold” on Christmas Day, according to a criminal complaint filed Dec. 29.

Jonathan Chet Winch, 35, of St. Croix Falls, Wis., was charged in Chisago County District Court with second-degree murder in connection with the beating of 43-year-old Andrea Merrell at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming.

After putting up resistance, Winch was arrested by police outside the hospital and remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail ahead of a Jan. 27 court appearance. Court records do not list an attorney for him. The court ordered a mental competency examination to be conducted while Winch remains in custody.

The complaint did not address a possible motive for the attack.

“Andrea was a valued member of our security team,” Fairview Health Services said in a statement issued upon her death on Dec. 27. “Our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Merrell, of North Branch, Minn., was “someone who showed up with courage, professionalism and heart,” said friend Shane Warnke.

“Andrea stood watch so others could heal,” Warnke wrote on Facebook. “Her presence, dedication and quiet strength will never be forgotten.”

About 5:25 p.m., police were alerted to Winch pushing his way past large magnetic doors and “leaving the emergency department contrary to a medical hold” put in place for a reason not specified in the court filing.

An officer arrived and saw a hospital security vehicle with its emergency lights activated and Merrell down on the pavement and unconscious.

Winch, shirtless and in sweatpants, was attempting to get in the vehicle. The officer pulled his squad next to the security vehicle. Winch jumped onto the squad’s windshield.

“The officer repositioned his squad car to remove [Winch] from the ... squad,” then ordered him to the ground before employing a Taser in hopes of subduing him.

Winch advanced toward the officer while saying, “‘I didn’t mean to hurt her,’” the complaint read.

An ambulance took Merrell to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she died from severe head injuries inflicted by Winch.

Hospital video surveillance showed Winch and Merrell getting into a physical struggle in the parking lot.

Merrell, described as a “smaller-framed individual,” was on the pavement while being struck by the “larger-framed” Winch as he was on top of her.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care and social assistance fields experienced the highest counts and yearly incidence rates for workplace violence of any private industry sector in 2021 and 2022. Women make up about 80% of health care workers.

Last January, Minnesota hospitals were required to begin submitting annual action plans to the state Department of Health on how they would respond and prepare for acts of violence. Beginning this January, the Minnesota health commissioner must compile the information into a single annual report and submit it to members of the Legislature.