Wife Sentenced For Killing Preacher

Tennessee Woman, Who Said Husband Abused Her, May Only Have To Serve 60 Days In A Mental Hospital

(AP)  A woman who killed her preacher husband with a shotgun blast to the back as he lay in bed was sentenced Friday to three years in prison, but she may end up serving only 60 days in a mental hospital.

Mary Winkler must serve 210 days, or about seven months, of her sentence before she can be released on probation, but she gets credit for the five months she has already spent in jail, Judge Weber McCraw said.

That leaves only two months, and McCraw said up to 60 days of the sentence could be served in a facility where she could receive mental health treatment. That means Winkler may not serve any significant time in prison.

Winkler, 33, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in April and could have received up to six years for killing her husband, Matthew, in the parsonage where the family lived in March 2006.

At her trial she testified she was physically and emotionally abused by her husband, but at her sentencing hearing Friday she said, “I think of Matthew every day, and I'll always miss him and love him.”

She pleaded to the judge for leniency, and asked to be reunited with her three daughters, who are now in the custody of Matthew Winkler's parents. The judge denied Winkler's request for full probation or judicial diversion, which would have eventually cleared her record of the conviction.

Prosecutors had sought a murder conviction against Mary Winkler, who they alleged had been trying to keep her husband from learning about a check-kiting scheme. They claimed she had become caught up in a swindle known as the “Nigerian scam,” which promises riches to victims who send money to cover the processing expenses.

Winkler, however, testified during her trial that her husband hit and kicked her, forced her to look at pornography and demanded sex she considered unnatural. Jurors were shown a pair of tall, platform shoes and a black wig Winkler said she was pressured to wear during sex.

Matthew Winkler's family said at the sentencing hearing that Mary Winkler's allegations amounted to a second attack on her husband, a popular 31-year-old preacher at the Fourth Street Church of Christ in Selmer.

“The monster that you have painted for the world to see? I don't think that monster existed,” said his mother, Diane Winkler.

When Mary Winkler took the stand, she turned to her husband's family and told them she was “so sorry this has happened.” She said she understood they were angry with her and that she prayed every night for them to have peace.

Mary Winkler was arrested a day after shooting her husband. She was found 340 miles away on the Alabama coast, driving the family minivan with her daughters inside.

Diane Winkler, testified that the girls, ages 9, 7 and 2, were having nightmares about people with guns breaking into their house.

“You've never told your girls you're sorry. Don't you think you at least owe them that?” she asked.

Mary Winkler's sister, Tabitha Freeman, asked the judge to give her a chance to be reunited with her children, and called her “the best example of a good person I can think of.”

“She just needs them. She's not complete without them,” Freeman said.

[billpl-2009]

must be a friend of Paris

[killtheliars]

that is B.S. There is not even proof he was abusive, just that psycho b1tches word. I hope she dies before she gets out, and if she does get out I hope her kids turn against her and one of them knock the crazy ***** off.

[killtheliars]

well said superchez1, i guess us guys will have to start making our own justice again. If a woman wrongs you go after her, becuase the system won't.

[jshmks]

She even looks like a psycho ***.

[waterboy074]

Even if you believe that BS her husband did not deserve to die for making her wear a wig and plat form shoes and there are no police records of any physical abuse. The Judge should of gave her the death row.

[shanev137]

If you don't like someone, it's OK to go out and shoot them in the back now while they're sleeping.

Don't worry, you have the power now to get away with it.

[sty1]

This is just wonderful. I am going to kill me three preachers now. I been telling you all that they were worthless for thirty three years now and this proves it. Anybody that makes money off the name of God, punish them now. HA HA HA. In the new,woman run justice system WOMEN get away with murder. This justice system brings suffering to everybody and must be stopped. Do something now HOLEY SPIRIT. Bring the rapture so that I can do my thing.

[drummer94]

trbl24u: Wow! Ain't had any for a while,eh'? But seriously folks, there is no excuse for murder,period. Just as there is no excuse to raise a hand to your mate. No matter HOW crazy that week before gets.

[codytaz]

I will tell you what the problem is, you guys abuse and abuse women and they are too scared to do anything, I have a friend like that, so don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about, I try to get her help and she won't because her husband would beat her up again. So now he won't stop and she had enough and then you say that is equal rights. Who are you people. SICK PEOPLE. Its call SELF DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[drummer94]

Back at ya, trbl24u. There are alot of idiots out there. Both genders.

[casper10x]

When CBS has a story about a man accused of evil ( like planning to kill wife) he is shown as a dark heavy brow evil type guy.
For a women, she has a pleasant smile, appear simple, perhaps a little confused, a victem herself.

No comment needed.

[bestill4610-2009]

I have read the articles and the comments posted about it. I find it amazing that either people wanted here to suffer sevre consequences or none at. The thing I find most intresting is that each and everyone of has done something that would be considered immoral or wrong in our lives whether it is murder or simply stealin a candy bar it was wrong. None of really have the right to stand back an defend or condem her. It is wrong very wrong that she killed her husband and the fact that he abused her is no excuse we have the option to make differnet choices. Her husband was not right to do as he did to because if he had been a loving bibical husband the woman would never have been put into a position to have to make a choice. Both have actions they accountable for but as Jesus said let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Instead of posting your comments to defend or convict in this situation ask how you can help those three poor children who are the true victims in this. I am sure money, colthes, physcologal help and most of prayer is greatly need for them. Please remember God loves even though we do not deserve show some love for and compassion and reach out to these kids.

[alphaa10-2009]

The differential in American justice continues against not only race, but gender, as well.

For example, American fathers usually lose custody of minor children-- this by reason of a gender bias in most courts. Is this anything but a denial of equal protection of the laws?

But like racial injustice, people continue to look the other way-- especially those calling themselves jurists (not to mention those calling themselves "feminists")-- because that is the way things always have been.

So, it goes. You would think angry housewives can get away with murder.

PS: All things being "equal" in American justice, what do you think would have happened had the husband claimed his wife abused him, and shot her, instead?

[sandy19731]

This does not seem right. But, for all you screaming gender bias. Sure, looks like her lawyers are men and so is the judge.

[dogsoul]

Oh my God... 3 years, and possibly as little as 60 days!?!?!? All women have to do is cry on the bench & claim abuse - without even any evidence - and they can literally get away with murder... or perhaps cutting off your johnson, running you over with a car, stabbing you, taking the kids, you NAME it... And after it's all said & done... they'll march in the city center claiming they're not getting "equal rights" - well, I have to agree with them there... they get more rights. This is just unbelievable....

[vinepetal904]

' ... why would i run for pharoah, people want a pharoah because people are getting mugged and raped and killed, a pharoah has no choice but to mug and rape and kill to keep from getting mugged and raped and killed by the people who blame the pharoah they voted in for all the people getting mugged and raped and killed ... it would be far more easy to say the mugged raped killed people are only getting what they deserve ... more than 99 percent of spankings go to kids age 5 and less because 99 percent of perpetrators are kids age 5 and less ... no pharoah ever changed that fact and none ever will ... mug and rape and kill if you want to, but 99% of folk 99% of time do not do so and 99% of those that do 99% of the time do not do so against the wishes of others and 99% of those that do do so out of self defence and 99% of those 99% of the time are defending themselves against kids age five and less ... dance get well soon feed the world first aid on the trail songs instead of get sick soon tax the world first strike on the trail songs, most of the time ... '

[juliemd]

Men are more evil than women...it is that Y gene...she should have shot his balls off first!

[mo005]

FARTKNOCKER2: I live in Tenn, I was married to an abusive wife. Fifteen years ago, I was arested for abuse when I had to fight off an abusive wife. She finally showed her fangs to the DA, and they dropped the case. My point is Tenn is still the wife is right know matter what. Unless you can prove it. I got lucky, I almost went to jail for something I didn't even do. If this lady was an abused women she should have went to the cops not killed him. She could have at least just shot him between the legs or somewhere that does'nt kill the guy.

[sty1]

Ha Ha Ha preachers are worth nothing. I have always known this. Keep going, more please. I love to see preachers getting their justice. falwell gone an now this. What a wonderful world.

[prolegomena]

Pastors, by and large, regardless of denomination, are about the most meek people on the planet. You'll always find exceptions, but geeze... this is really overkill... no pun intended.

[bluestardad]

OPEN SEASON ON HUSBANDS!

NO BAG LIMIT!

NO WEAPONS RESTRICTIONS!

NO CLOSED SEASONS!

SO THE NEXT TIME YOU ASK YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER TO PUT ON THE STOCKINGS AND LINGERIE FOR SOME FREAKY GEAKY REMEMBER THAT IS HER OPENING TO HUNT AND KILL YOU!

THEN THE WOMENS GROUPS WILL COME TO HER AID AND SHE WILL GET OFF!

BUT THE WOMENS GROUPS WONT STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND SUPPORT WOMEN REGESTERING FOR THE DRAFT LIKE THE MEN HAVE TO. THEY WANT EQUAL RIGHTS UP TO A POINT! THEY THEY USE THE GENDER ESCAPE CLAUSE!

[sasi1-2009]

Good grief; kill your husband & get less time than Martha Stewart had to serve? Something just doesn't add up here.

[ravencrowboo]

If you were not at the trial, do not know the law, did not hear the evidence, did not read the jury instructions or listen to the respective counsel, did not read the police reports, the autopsy reports or listen to the witnesses then you have no clue as to whether the sentence was fair or not. Do your homework, then comment

[shanev137]

you are right blue.

women are only interesting in "equal rights" when it only happens to serve their selfish interests.

no wonder the whole "womens lib thing" went bust in the 90's.

[clew37]

Don't keep pulling out the same old line, "they don't have the draft". Every other country in the world lets its women fight in wars, just the sexist egotistical bstrds here that don't. Probably don't want to be shown up on the firing range. Women have been stuck in a war since the day they were born. If they're not attacked at home, at school, on the street, and work...Just be glad all you have to do is write in here and whine. Just in the time I've written this 15 girls have been raped to death in the US. Don't you dare tell me we've got it easy!

[dylanxxv]

This is an outrage...She should either be in prison for the rest of her sorry life or executed...

[jt92202]

A 17 year old male goes to prison for 10 years for getting a BJ from a 15 year old girl at a party in GA and a preachers wife kills her husband and gets 3 years but will only serve 7 months. Sound about right! NOT!!! Whats wrong with this picture?

[hawksprings]

Why doesn't she get an ankle bracelet and 23 days at home?

...

[whatithink-2009]

Can we let the South retroactively secede from the Union?

[deadjester1]

oh bs that women have it bad. thats just yer hormones misfiring. and just why would women want to fight in wars. no one wants to fight in a war, if you do then youv'e got some f***ed up issues! women have it easier here that just about everyother country in the world and thats because they're exactly equal to men. now this chick here, is an example of a woman being treated far better than a man would have been. clew, im tellin ya- women have it just as easy or hard as anyone else in the world.

is funny though, when the first headlines came out about this woman, everyone was on her side. now eveyones on his. gotta love it.

[tuckerndfw]

Feminists strike again!!!!

The legal system has been so corrupted by shrieking, hysterical lesbians (aka "feminists") that it cannot be rightfully called a "justice system."

Men are on death rows all across the US for murdering a spouse or girlfriend. And, many of them had far more justifiable reasons than "He made me mad."

All men who murdered their wives or girlfriends should be immediately released from prison if they have served over sixty days.

[jolsonbear]

Her late husbands family should offer her forgiveness.

Only three years? ***? For murder? Dam it cost me thousands over the course of three years to divorce my wife, maybe her plan was better than mine?

[markbrookhar]

I am confident that if the "preacher husband" had shot his wife in the back as she lay in bed, he would have received life without parole. Double standard-pure and simple. There is seldome justice in today's court system... I am appalled.

[ajmystic]

I think the verdict in this case is a little skewed.She should have gotten the maximum sentence.I think six years for voluntary manslaughter is also a joke, she should have received the maximum. Using abuse as an excuse after she never told anyone about it until she killed her husband is very deceptive. I was mentally and emotionally abused by a husband at one point in my life. I even had his murder planned and I decided that I should just walk away. I left him, and although I did go through some hard times, I still came out with a very good life. I think everyone has times when they want to kill their husband or wife, but most do not act on the urge. When I left my abuser, I was not working, had very little money, and had to stay with friends until I could get on my feet. But I did it without killing anyone. She could have gone to her family or friends. I'm sure they would have taken her and her children into their homes. Even a women's shelter would have been better than killing him.

[hollyt2-2009]

Paris 45 days?? Mary Winkler possibly 60 days?? Hmm breaking probation for a traffic offense-- murdering your husband. thats fair!!LOL

[sandy19731]

This does not seem right. But, for all you screaming gender bias. Sure, looks like her lawyers are men and so is the judge.

Also,
Guys, kiss you wife and tell her you love her tonight before you roll over.

[nolalou]

ravencrowboo,

I understand where your coming from, but in this case she was found guilty! 3 years for murder don't make sense. If it was considered justifiable homoside, that's one thing, but she was found GUILTY!

[agnim]

Who are these fcuking judges who need lessons in how to dispense justice? They make me sick. LOL

A bi.atch, instead of using the opportunity to RUN AWAY if she was so-called 'abused' as she claimed, shot a man in his sleep and is to be released into the society?
This is joke justice.

[ciscocruiser]

It does not matter how badly he treated her (it), if he did treat her badly. If he was alive, and she left him, we could listen to her stories. IF he was ALIVE!

The only thing that matters now (and should have mattered to all who were part of this "sentence"), is she (it) shot him dead in cold blood in the back while he slept (or lay in bed).

First degree premeditated murder. Lock her up, throw away the key, or even better, firing squad - give her (it) a taste of her own medicine.

This country is going to hell in a hand basket. If it's not a reason or excuse or someone else's fault for every thing someone did, it's sentencing others for what they think. Thought is not a crime. Prosecute the act - period. This hate crime slippery slope will eventually make everything a hate crime. What do you have then? Nothing! If everything is a hate crime, nothing is! Back to square on! Sorry, I went off on a tangent.

Peace - and get help or leave your abusive spouse or significant other. Go to therapy together. If not for you, then for the kids. Before you do something you will regret forever. These kids' lives are forever ruined now! Forever.

[jolsonbear]

I remember the good ole days when these kinds of crimes were not as numerous as they are now. I believe it was called.....










The Clinton Administration!

[tpeks40]

Typical of the American justice system. She can kill her husband in cold blood, and serve less time than a guy caught with an ounce of weed. What a joke! There needs to be some reform or there will be anarchy when the American public finally opens their eyes and discover where we've been led. Wake up America! Vote out these bums. Stop re-electing the same a$$holes because you're familiar with their names, and vote for someone different. It certainly couldn't hurt anymore then dealing with the idiots in offices across the land now.

[randalds]

OPEN SEASON ON HUSBANDS!

NO BAG LIMIT!

Posted by bluestardad at 06:01 PM : Jun 08, 2007

Fortunately for me my wife doesn't think killing me is worth going to prison for. ;-)

Of course maybe she's just going about it more slowly? Hmmmm........

[grammawhamma]

Yes...she killed him. But I do believe she was abused by him. He was a preacher...so who could she have told that would believe her? (I was raised Catholic and "if" I would have been abused by a priest and told my parents about it I would have been slapped across the face and told "how dare you say somthing like that".) I've had three friends that were abused by their husbands. One was brave and left him and went to a safe house with her little kids and made a new life while she was still young. The second one stayed in the abusive situation until her kids were all grown up and then got a divorce...now her 2 of her 3 kids are abusers to their spouses. The third one is still in the abusive situation and I am afraid she will die there. I do not condone murder and I agree Mary Winkler's sentence should be more then she got. But more needs to be done to protect women from abusive situations. I know there are some men out there who are abused by women but the vast majority of abuse is male to female.

[tuckerndfw]

I know there are some men out there who are abused by women but the vast majority of abuse is male to female.

Posted by GrammaWhamma at 02:23 AM : Jun 09, 2007

The "vast majority" of abuse is NOT male on female.

The "vast majority" of phony statistics invented by feminists CLAIM that all men abuse all women.

I have been in three long term relationships and was physically "abused" (cough, cough) by all three women.

The difference being that I did not whine to the police to "help me." Since I didn't report the "abuse" (cough, cough) to the police, there was no "statistic" demonstrating that "abuse" (cough, cough).

If women are so helpless, they should not be allowed to enter into marriage or any other contract that requires maturity and judgment.

However, murdering your spouse or partner is not an acceptable alternative to divorce. And, if it is, then men are justified murdering their spouses or partners.

"Equal rights" suddenly disappear when a woman is involved. Feminists love to claim "There is NO excuse for violence." until it is one of their own committing the violence.

Feminists are a cancer on civilized society.

[tuckerndfw]

Additional to the previous comment:

I also did not whine to my family and friends that I had been abused (cough, cough). It was none of their business. But, women like to "share" their experiences, which also skews the attitudes about abuse.

Generally, abused men do not complain; abused women complain to anyone who will listen.

[grammawhamma]

Ok tuckerndfw...first you need to get rid of that cough. Women are usually cruel with their tongues...men are more physical. I don't condone either form of abuse. I am not a man hater. I have had many friends in my 54 years. The three examples I gave are the only ones I know of that were abused. I am sorry that you had three bad experiences. I do believe however that males are usually more agressive then females in most species. That is a good thing if it is used correctly such as nature intended it to be. Males the protectors...females the nurtures. I supposes feminists will rip me a new one for that last statement...oh well!

[bluestardad]

OPEN SEASON ON HUSBANDS!

NO BAG LIMIT!

NO WEAPONS RESTRICTIONS!

NO CLOSED SEASONS!

SO THE NEXT TIME YOU ASK YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER TO PUT ON THE STOCKINGS AND LINGERIE FOR SOME FREAKY GEAKY REMEMBER THAT IS HER OPENING TO HUNT AND KILL YOU!

THEN THE WOMENS GROUPS WILL COME TO HER AID AND SHE WILL GET OFF!

BUT THE WOMENS GROUPS WONT STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND SUPPORT WOMEN REGESTERING FOR THE DRAFT LIKE THE MEN HAVE TO.

WOMENS GROUPS DONT WANT EQUITY IN DIVORCE SETTLEMENTS WHERE WOMEN USE MEN TO SUPPORT THEIR THE FEMALE RETIREMENT PROGRAMS BY HAVING KIDS THEN DIVORCEING THEIR HUSBANDS AND TAKING HIS MONEY FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. JUMPING FROM MEN TO MEN HAVING KIDS GETTING BANK ROLLED FOR LIFE.


WOMEN GROUPS WANT EQUAL RIGHTS UP TO A POINT! THEY THEY USE THE GENDER ESCAPE CLAUSE!

[newton221]

3 years are you serious. Hes a man of God and its not even self defense. Who can back up these claims of abuse with him gone? This is a mockery of our justice system. Ever heard of an epo or a divorce? Just leave you weak minded cold hearted Nigerian check cashing fraud of a human being. Confess your sins and repent before you face his judgement. There is gonna be all kinds of unnatural *** in hell. Good luck!!

[tuckerndfw]

Posted by GrammaWhamma at 03:42 AM : Jun 09, 2007

We agree that men are generally more physically aggressive than women.

And because we know that, women who intentionally provoke men and then claim they are abused do not deserve sympathy or protection provided by taxpayers.

Unfortunately, the law does not recognize "mental abuse" as a criminal offense, or a defense against prosecution for physical abuse. In my experience, mental abuse is far more damaging than physical abuse. I'd much rather be punched in the mouth than endure the mental abuse I've experienced.

Allowing women to engage in all manner of abuses, including murder, without penalty will only lead to even more abuse.

Justice is not served by shielding abusive women from consequences for their actions.

Feminism is a cancer on society in part because it provides over half the population with an exemption from justice.