Fanning Springs Resident Charged for Alleged Threats Against Hospital Patient

Authorities say Gary Mark Monroe Vanwinkle sent death threats via Facebook Messenger to a patient at UF Health Shands Hospital.

Mar. 8, 2026 at 5:33pm

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Authorities have arrested 45-year-old Gary Mark Monroe Vanwinkle, accusing him of making death threats via Facebook Messenger to a patient at UF Health Shands Hospital. Vanwinkle allegedly sent threatening messages stating his intention to visit the hospital and harm the victim with a baseball bat, claiming she deserved to die.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about patient safety and security at hospitals, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing online threats and individuals with a history of violent offenses.

The details

According to an officer from the University of Florida Police Department, on March 3, Vanwinkle allegedly sent threatening messages to the patient. The messages purportedly stated his intention to visit the hospital to harm the victim with a baseball bat. He allegedly claimed that she deserved to die and threatened that he, along with his brothers, would pursue her and her family. In one of the messages, he reportedly wrote, 'I'm going to hit you in the [expletive] face with a baseball bat.' Another message allegedly warned, 'Now I am coming, get security ready.'

  • On March 3, Vanwinkle allegedly sent the threatening messages to the patient.
  • On March 5, Judge Robert Groeb issued a warrant for Vanwinkle's arrest, ordering him to be held without bail.

The players

Gary Mark Monroe Vanwinkle

A 45-year-old Fanning Springs resident who has been accused of making death threats via Facebook Messenger to a patient at UF Health Shands Hospital. He has a criminal history that includes 11 felony convictions, three of which are for violent offenses.

UF Health Shands Hospital

A hospital in Gainesville, Florida where the alleged victim was a patient.

Judge Robert Groeb

The judge who issued a warrant for Vanwinkle's arrest, ordering him to be held without bail.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to hit you in the [expletive] face with a baseball bat.”

— Gary Mark Monroe Vanwinkle

“Now I am coming, get security ready.”

— Gary Mark Monroe Vanwinkle

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Gary Mark Monroe Vanwinkle out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for hospitals to have robust security measures in place to protect patients, as well as the importance of law enforcement closely monitoring individuals with a history of violent offenses who make online threats.