How to help city employee Ronnie Winans, the lone survivor of Eden's deadly shooting
John TuftsEDEN, Texas — As condolences and fundraising events pop up around the country for the two Concho County deputies slain Monday in Eden, efforts to help the lone survivor of the deadly shooting are also underway.
City of Eden employee Ronnie Winans suffered a severe gunshot wound Monday, May 10, 2021, during a shooting that left sheriff's deputies Samuel Leonard and Stephen Jones fatally wounded.
Texas Rangers later arrested Jeffrey Nicholas, who was booked into Tom Green County Jail on two charges of capital murder of a police officer. His bond has been set at $4 million. Authorities said Nicholas later apologized for killing both deputies and injuring Winans.
What happened: Winans critically injured during deadly shooting
An eyewitness to the shooting said the incident began over an animal complaint and quickly escalated into violence.
Eden municipal employee David Hutchings took cover behind a city-owned pickup when gunfire erupted in the 100 block of Bryan Street. A bullet went through the pickup's door and struck Winans.
"It hit my boss ... in the stomach," Hutchings said. "Everything went quiet. Ronnie got out of the truck and said he was shot. I threw him in the back of the truck and rushed him into the emergency room."
FOR SUBSCRIBERS:Eyewitness to Eden shooting said suspect told deputies to 'get off his property'
Winans was transported to Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo by Concho County EMS. A spokesperson for the hospital on Friday, May 14, 2021, listed Winans' condition as "stable."
How you can help: direct donations and brisket meals
In addition to several fundraising efforts for the families of both deputies, friends of Winans have begun donating money at the Eden State Bank, of which Winans has been a customer for years.
Donations accepted at Eden State Bank
Laura Davis, a lending assistant and customer representative, said donations from Winans' friends and neighbors have been trickling in, with people asking to put money into Winans' personal account.
Davis said people who would like to help Winans with financial support can call the Eden State Bank at 325-869-5511.
Checks can also be mailed to Eden State Bank with 'Attention: Laura Davis' on the envelope, at: P.O. Box 939, Eden, TX 76837.
"Anything you can do or donate is appreciated," said bank vice president Eddie Grand, who noted other fundraising events are being planned in the near future.
Brisket meal and raffle fundraiser
There will be a meal and raffle fundraiser on Saturday, May 22, at the Roy Burnes Pavilion in Lee Pfluger Park in Eden beginning at 11 a.m. benefiting both families of the slain deputies as well as Winans' family, according to the Eden Echo.
The brisket meal will be served with a drink and dessert sold by donation for dine-in or carry out. You can pre-order half and whole briskets before May 18.
Raffle tickets will be $5 each or 5 for $20. Prizes will be drawn throughout the day.
For questions, donating items or raffle tickets contact: 325-456-0355, 325-456-0114 or 325-869-0111.
Did we miss any fundraisers or events for Winans? If so, send an email to News@GoSanAngelo.com.
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John Tufts covers enterprise and investigative topics in West Texas. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.