Andrea Merrell, 43, died Dec. 27; prosecutors filed a second-degree murder count Monday.
WYOMING, Minn. — A 35-year-old patient accused of beating a hospital security guard on Christmas Day has been charged with second-degree murder after the guard died from her injuries, authorities said Monday.
Charging papers say Jonathan Chet Winch bolted from the emergency department at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center despite a medical hold and attacked security officer Andrea Jean Merrell near a marked vehicle outside the ER bay. Responding police found Merrell unresponsive with catastrophic head injuries; she died two days later at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Investigators cited hospital surveillance video, officer body camera footage and statements gathered at the scene. The medical examiner ruled Merrell’s death a homicide from traumatic head injuries. The filing moves a closely watched case in Chisago County from a fast-moving investigation into the court system as the community mourns a veteran guard.
The first officer arrived to find emergency vehicle lights flashing and Merrell on the ground, according to the complaint. Winch was allegedly trying to get into a hospital security SUV, then jumped onto the windshield of a squad as the officer pulled up. The officer used a Taser, but prosecutors say Winch continued to advance, repeating, “I didn’t mean to hurt her,” before additional officers arrived. The struggle to detain him lasted about five minutes. A short time earlier, surveillance images captured a larger person on top of a smaller person by the security vehicle, appearing to swing and strike, investigators wrote. No other patients or staff were reported injured during the incident, which unfolded around 5:30 p.m. Dec. 25.
Authorities publicly identified Merrell as a 43-year-old North Branch resident who worked on the security team at the Wyoming campus. In a statement, the hospital called her a valued colleague and said it is cooperating with police while offering support to staff. Friends recalled Merrell’s calm approach during tense situations and her commitment to public service. The medical examiner’s report listed traumatic head injuries due to physical assault. Officials have not alleged the use of any weapon beyond fists. Police said the initial call to officers concerned a “non-compliant” patient leaving the ER despite the hold.
Prosecutors filed one count of second-degree murder, a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison upon conviction. Court scheduling is pending, including a first appearance where bail and conditions will be set. Investigators are reviewing additional hospital video and compiling records from the emergency department, dispatch timelines and officer reports. Authorities have not released information about Winch’s prior history or why he was on a hold, citing the ongoing investigation and medical privacy rules. Officials said further charging decisions are possible if new evidence emerges, but none were announced Monday.
The Christmas confrontation comes amid broader concern about violence inside emergency rooms, where security officers are often first to intervene when patients are in crisis. Wyoming, a city of about 8,000 roughly 30 miles north of Minneapolis, hosts the Lakes Medical Center along a busy highway corridor used by patients from Chisago and northern Anoka counties. Local leaders said the hospital has been a hub for urgent care during the holidays. Police previously reported that officers detained the suspect within minutes of arrival and returned him for evaluation before booking him into jail.
By late Monday, a small memorial took shape near the hospital’s emergency entrance: a few tea lights, a ribbon tied to a signpost and handwritten notes addressed to “Officer Merrell.” One coworker, pausing between shifts, said Merrell “never hesitated to step in when someone needed help.” Another acquaintance said the guard “talked about the job as a calling.” The hospital said it has grief counselors available for employees as the case proceeds.
Winch remained in custody pending his initial court appearance this week. Funeral plans for Merrell were not immediately announced. Officials said the next public update is expected after the first hearing and when investigators finish collecting full video records from the ER area.
Author note: Last updated December 29, 2025.