Minnesota hospital patient accused of beating security guard to death while trying to flee

A deranged Minnesota hospital affected person was charged with homicide after ruthlessly beating a safety guard to dying whereas making an attempt to flee the power on Christmas Day, prosecutors stated.

Jonathan Winch, 35, was trying to bolt from the emergency division whereas on a medical maintain at M Well being Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming Thursday evening when he viciously attacked 43-year-old Andrea Merrell exterior the constructing, in line with a legal criticism obtained by KARE 11.

Merrell, who was discovered unresponsive on the grotesque scene, died two days later from her accidents.

“Andrea was a valued member of our safety staff, and our hearts are along with her family members and coworkers through the extremely tough time,” M Well being Fairview stated in an announcement to the outlet.

“We’re centered on supporting our groups and guaranteeing they’ve the sources they want.”

Prosecutors stated surveillance footage captured the shirtless runaway affected person preventing with the officer within the parking zone round 5:30 p.m. earlier than pinning her to the bottom and unleashing a flurry of blows.

When backup lastly arrived, the sufferer — who was working the Christmas evening shift — was critically injured and unconscious on the bottom. Winch then tried to get into her safety car earlier than leaping onto the windshield of a responding squad automobile, in line with the courtroom paperwork.

The erratic suspect, who ignored officers’ repeated calls for, was finally tased to the bottom however continued to spar with cops for a number of minutes — whereas allegedly shouting “I didn’t imply to harm her” — earlier than he was lastly arrested, prosecutors stated, the outlet reported.

It’s unclear why Winch, of St. Croix Falls, Wis., was within the hospital or positioned on a medical maintain.

Merrell’s died from traumatic head accidents attributable to bodily assault, the Ramsey County Medical Examiner dominated, KARE reported.

The sufferer, who additionally reportedly served as a reserve police officer with the White Bear Police Division and hearth division, was remembered by her devastated finest associates for her quirky persona and warm-hearted soul.

“She was probably the most kind-hearted soul,” buddy Well being Miller instructed the outlet.

“Anyone she got here in touch with immediately cherished her as a result of she was simply that sort of particular person.”

Pam Heaton stated her slain bestie would all the time stroll the hospital, chatting with workers and sufferers throughout her shifts.

“I feel most individuals knew her as a result of she’d sit and have conversations with everyone there and simply make them really feel secure and welcome. She was purported to be our buddy for her life, and that was taken away from us.”

Winch was charged with second-degree homicide and is being held on a $2 million bond, in line with the Minnesota Star Tribune.

He was reportedly additionally ordered to bear a psychological competency examination whereas in custody.

Winch is due again in courtroom on Jan. 27.