Mary Winkler

Mary Winkler shot her husband, Matthew Winkler, to death in March of 2006 and was subsequently convicted of voluntary manslaughter. In September 2008, she was granted full custody of the couple's children after reportedly reconciling with her in-laws.¹

Fast Facts

1. Convicted of voluntary manslaughter²
2. Husband Matthew Winkler was a Church of Christ minister²
3. Shooting occurred at the family home in March 2006²
4. Husband was found with a shotgun blast to the back²
5. Currently out on probation²
6. Spent 12 days in jail³
7. Spent two months in a mental health facility³
8. Custody attorney: Rachael Putnam³
9. Children ages 11, 9 and 3 (in 2008)³

Trial and Conviction

Mary Winkler's trial focused on whether the murder of her husband was premeditated, or if she was a victim of abuse. Winkler was sentenced to three years in prison but served only a brief sentence before being released on probation. She spent a total of 12 days in prison and two months in a mental health facility.³

Custody Battle

The children had been living with their grandparents, Dan and Diane Winkler, since their mother was arrested. It was reported that the grandparents had been trying to adopt the children.⁴

Mary Winkler was awarded visitation rights in 2007.

In September of 2008, it was reported Winkler had gained permanent custody of her three daughters ages 11, 9 and 3, from her slain husband's parents.⁵

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