Brazos County Shooting: Gerald “Jerry” Winn and Nancy Winn Deceased, Son Taken into Custody

 Brazos County Shooting – The community in Brazos County is in a state of shock following the heartbreaking shooting of Gerald “Jerry” Winn, 61, and his spouse, Nancy Winn, 52, who were tragically killed in their residence on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The horrific event, which took place in the 6300 block of Steep Hollow Circle, has left loved ones, friends, and local organizations in mourning for two people who were well-known for their kindness, service, and dedication to assisting others.

As per Brazos County officials, the situation unfolded around 5:00 p.m. when Nancy Winn called 911 to report that she had been shot. During the emergency call, she named her son, Ezekiel William Barajas, 32, as the assailant. First responders arrived at the scene to find both Gerald and Nancy with gunshot injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, both were declared dead.

The disturbing nature of the incident has attracted considerable attention, not just because of the brutal circumstances but also due to the couple’s esteemed position in the community. Jerry and Nancy Winn operated the 3rd Day Treatment Center, a facility devoted to helping individuals with addiction recovery and rehabilitation. Their efforts positively impacted many lives, providing hope and assistance to people and families facing substance abuse challenges. In addition to their professional roles, the Winns were active participants in NAMI Brazos Valley, an organization that emphasizes mental health advocacy, education, and community outreach.

Less than an hour after the shooting, police located and apprehended the suspect, Ezekiel William Barajas. Officers found him in the drive-thru of a Raising Cane’s restaurant on Briarcrest Drive. He was taken into custody without any reported issues. Authorities later retrieved a firearm believed to be used in the shootings from his vehicle during the arrest.

Barajas has been officially charged with Capital Murder of Multiple Persons, which relates to the deaths of both victims during one criminal incident. His bail has been set at $300,000. As of January 18, 2026, investigators indicated that Barajas has chosen not to cooperate with them and has not provided a reason for the shooting. The absence of an established motive has left many questions unanswered for both investigators and family members.

The untimely deaths of Jerry and Nancy Winn have triggered a wave of sorrow throughout Brazos County. Local residents have expressed disbelief that individuals who dedicated their lives to healing and service could be victims of such violence in their own home. As the investigation proceeds, the community honors the Winns not for the tragedy that ended their lives, but for the numerous individuals they helped uplift through their kindness, faith, and steadfast commitment to others.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, and additional court actions are anticipated in the upcoming weeks.