BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — A double homicide in a quiet east Brazos County neighborhood has left the community stunned and grieving. Deputies say Ezekiel William Barajas, who turned 32 just one day prior, 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. Saturday. In the call, Nancy told dispatchers she had been shot and identified her son as the shooter. She reported that Ezekiel did not live at the residence and had fled after opening fire.
According to the arrest affidavit, Nancy said she and Jerry were eating when Ezekiel entered and began shooting without warning. She emphasized there had been no argument or physical struggle prior to the gunfire. Nancy 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 later died from 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.
Online jail records show only one prior arrest in 2018 for criminal trespass, a case that was later dismissed.
🕊️ Remembering Nancy and Jerry Winn
The Winns were deeply respected in Brazos County for their decades of 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 shared her passion for prevention, saying:
“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.
📞 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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