The Lodi community is reeling after the tragic death of beloved salon owner Nicole Winans, who was fatally shot last week in Woodbridge. Her estranged husband, Shane Winans, appeared in a Stockton courtroom Tuesday to face multiple charges, including premeditated murder.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a disturbance in the early hours of Dec. 6 on East Academy Street, where they discovered Nicole with a gunshot wound. Shane, who owns Anchors Away Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlor in Lodi, was arrested at the scene.
In court, Shane, appearing with what seemed to be a black eye, was charged with one count of premeditated murder and two counts of child abuse and endangerment. The charges carry potential penalties of 50 years to life in prison for murder and up to 16 years for child endangerment. A protective order was also issued, barring Shane from contacting the couple’s two youngest children, who were present during the incident but reportedly did not witness their mother’s death.
Nicole, a mother of three and the owner of Salon Envy & Boutique in Lodi, was remembered as a “beautiful, loving, caring woman” by her family and friends. Outside her salon, a memorial with flowers and heartfelt messages commemorates her life.
Her cousin, Katrina Donahue, revealed that Nicole had recently filed for divorce but had been in a tumultuous relationship with Shane. The couple had been attempting reconciliation, according to family members.
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic violence, especially during the critical phase of leaving an abusive relationship. Beth O’Hara, chief deputy district attorney, emphasized the importance of seeking help, urging those in similar situations to contact the Family Justice Center or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
A GiveSendGo account has been set up to support Nicole’s children. Donations can be made at https://www.givesendgo.com/GE4E5.
Shane Winans is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 19 for further arraignment and bail review.
This article is a summary of the original report by Victoria Franco for The Record. Read the full article on The Record website.
