Chisago City man charged with second-degree murder in death of Wyoming hospital security guard

A 35-year-old Chisago City man was charged on Monday with one count of second-degree murder related to the death of a security guard at a Wyoming hospital.

According to a news release from the Chisago County Attorney's Office, Wyoming Police Department officers were dispatched to the M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital regarding a male party identified as Jonathan Winch leaving the emergency department, contrary to a medical hold.

On arrival, the responding officer observed an M Health Fairview security vehicle in the parking lot with its lights activated.

A security guard, identified as 43-year-old Andrea Merrell, was lying unconscious near the vehicle.

Winch was taken into custody after a prolonged engagement, in which he was non-compliant with law enforcement.

Footage from an exterior security camera depicted Merrell on the ground in a physical altercation, with Winch appearing to swing or strike at her multiple times.

The release states it was apparent to the responded officers that Merrell had suffered severe head trauma.

Merrell was transported to Regions Hospital for treatment, where she later passed away on Dec. 27.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner completed an autopsy, and determined the manner of death to be a homicide, with the cause identified as traumatic head injuries due to physical assault.

Winch's bail was set at $2 million at an initial hearing on Dec. 29. The court ordered a competency examination to be completed while Winch remains in custody.