BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — A quiet neighborhood east of Bryan was rocked Saturday evening by a double homicide that left two respected mental health professionals dead and their son in custody.
Deputies say Ezekiel William Barajas, who turned 32 just one day earlier, fatally shot his mother, Nancy Winn, 52, and stepfather, Gerald “Jerry” Winn, 61, inside their home on Steep Hollow Circle, off FM 1179.
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call placed by Nancy Winn at approximately 5:05 p.m. She told dispatchers she had been shot and identified her son as the shooter. According to the arrest affidavit, Nancy said she and Jerry were eating when Ezekiel opened fire without warning. She reported no argument or physical struggle prior to the shooting and locked herself in a back bedroom to make the emergency call.
Deputies arrived minutes later and forced entry into the home. Nancy was found in the bedroom, and Jerry was discovered in the hallway. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to their injuries.
📍 Suspect Located at Fast-Food Drive-Thru
At around 6:00 p.m., officers with the Bryan Police Department spotted Barajas in a Honda Accord at the Raising Cane’s drive-thru on Briarcrest Drive. He was detained by Bryan PD and DPS troopers until Brazos County deputies arrived.
Barajas was taken to headquarters but refused to speak with investigators. The suspected murder weapon was recovered from his vehicle. He is currently being held in the Brazos County Jail on Capital Murder of Multiple Persons, with bond set at $300,000.
🕊️ Remembering Nancy and Jerry Winn
The Winns were well-known in Brazos County for their tireless work in mental health and substance abuse counseling. Together, they operated the 3rd Day Treatment Center, a faith-based recovery program focused on helping individuals and families overcome addiction and trauma.
They also volunteered extensively with NAMI Brazos Valley, offering support groups, educational workshops, and crisis intervention services.
On the center’s website, Jerry once wrote:
“My one true concern is that I make a positive and healthy difference in the lives of those with whom I work.”
Nancy added:
“I liked the idea of getting to kids before they started living unhealthy lifestyles, and providing them the skills of making healthy lifestyle choices instead.”
Their deaths have left a deep void in the local behavioral health community, with colleagues and clients expressing shock and sorrow.
🔎 Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not released a motive, and Barajas remains uncooperative. Investigators are reviewing phone records, prior history, and any potential mental health concerns.
Online jail records show Barajas had only one prior arrest in 2018 for criminal trespass, a case that was later dismissed.
📞 Community Response
Local leaders and mental health advocates are calling for increased support for families dealing with crisis and trauma. A vigil is being planned to honor the Winns’ legacy and the lives they touched through their work.
This story is shared for public awareness and community reflection, based on official reports and verified sources.
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