It’s the story that will not go away. Mary Winkler was back in court last Friday to address legal matters in the pending custody battle with her former in-laws, Dan and Diane Winkler. Lawyers argued their respective cases before Carroll County Chancellor Ron Harmon behind closed doors.

In September, a Carroll County judge ruled that Winkler could begin visits with her three young daughters, but the children’s paternal grandparents appealed that order. The Court of Appeals blocked the visits while considering the grandparents’ request. Winkler’s former in-laws, Dan and Diane Winkler, filed a last-minute application accusing the judge who originally granted her visitation of ruling erroneously. After almost two months of consideration, the Court of Appeals of Tennessee denied the appeal.

Two down and two to go. After many hours of testimony, Mary Winkler overcame a major obstacle after a day long custodial hearing held in Huntingdon last Wednesday.

Her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show solicited a number of opinions, many of which were negative. Most people felt the appearance hurt or damaged Winkler’s already shaky persona. With a wrongful death and custody suit lingering, only time will tell if any damage was done as a result of the much maligned television appearance.

Mary Winkler recently filed an appeal with the Tennessee Supreme Court in the custody battle over her three daughters. After approximately two weeks of consideration though, the state’s highest court denied Winkler’s request.

Literally 365 days after walking out of the McNairy County Jail on August 15, 2006, Mary Winkler is once again a free woman.

The Tennessee Court of Appeals of Tennessee in Jackson has ruled that it doesn’t have jurisdiction to get involved in the custody fight concerning Mary Winkler’s children.

For many in the small communities that make up McNairy County, the March 2006 killing of Matthew Winkler and the subsequent whirlwind that followed left some citizens with a plethora of questions. From coast to coast, people were mesmerized with Mary Winkler, the small statured preacher’s wife that claimed enough was enough, and depending on your belief, either accidently or purposely shot her husband in the back.

Mary Winkler has most likely spent her last day at the McNairy County Jail. After spending more than a week behind bars, Winkler was quietly transfered last week.

After approximately four hours of testimony, the drama surrounding the death of Matthew Winkler mayfinally have some closure following the sentencing of Mary Winkler last Friday. After listening to testimony for and against Mary Winkler, Judge Weber McCraw rendered his decision.

According to a court document obtained by the Independent Appeal, attorneys for Mary Winkler have filed a motion asking for a new trial. Their request, according to the document, is based on what attorneys Steve Farese Sr. and Leslie Ballin say were errors in the first trial.

Even though she was convicted of killing her husband Matthew Winkler, Mary Winkler has filed an appeal to try to regain custody of her three daughters, Patricia, 9, Mary Alice, 7, and Breanna, 2.

A new date has been set to sentence Mary Winkler. According to Sue Allison with the Administrative Office of the Courts, McNairy County Circuit Court Judge Weber McCraw has scheduled the sentencing hearing for 9 a.m. on June 8.

By the time Debbie Knapp leveled a shotgun and pulled the trigger, killing her husband just inside the front door of their home in the spring of 1980, she’d tried everything she could think of to save her marriage, and, failing that, to get away from her husband’s abuse - the punches and kicks, the emotional and verbal threats.

Less than two weeks after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of her minister husband Matthew Winkler, Mary Winkler could go free and her record wiped clean.

Since being found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the March 2006 shooting of her husband Matthew Winkler, Mary Winkler has returned to McMinnville and her job at Cleaner’s Express. However, last Monday morning, Winkler and her custody attorney Kay Farese (Luckett) Turner, a relative of defense attorney Steve Farese Sr., were back in a Jackson Juvenile Court attempting to regain custody of her three daughters, Patricia; 9, Allie; 7, and Brianna; 2.

As they entered the court room for the last time in this matter last Thursday, many of the jurors looked in Mary Winkler’s direction. When asked by the judge if they had reached a verdict, the jury foreman said yes. McNairy County Sheriff Ricky Roten handed the verdict form to McNairy County Circuit Judge Weber McCraw, who read the verdict. Asking Mary Winkler to stand the judge said, “Mary Winkler, this jury finds that you have been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter.”

Less than 24-hours after Mary Winkler was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, the jury foreman went public with his feelings. In separate interviews with WMC-5 out of Memphis and the Jackson Sun, Bill Berry disagreed with the verdict.

A large group of national and regional media once again descended on McNairy County to cover the trial of Mary Winkler. There were television & radio reporters, newspaper writers, authors and magazine writers among the group of national media that covered the trial.

The Mary Winkler trial has come and gone. Opinions concerning the trial’s outcome have been varied. We asked a few McNairy County residents their opinion of the trial. While many we asked wished to keep their comments to themselves, a few did share their thoughts, even the sarcastic ones. The following are some of their statements:

The McNairy County Justice Complex was forced to issue higher security measures for the duration of the Mary Winkler murder trial after three suspicious phone calls were made.

Not to be disrecpectful, but I believe it safe to say Matthew and Mary Winkler’s life tell a story. Though on the surface it is obvious there were issues, I think there is more to be taken from this tragedy.

Eight days have been invested in the criminal proceedings as it pertains to Mary Winkler. Winkler is charged with the March 2006 shooting death of her husband and former pulpit minister of the Fourth Street Church of Christ, Matthew Winkler.

With tears in the eyes of several in the courtroom, 9-year-old Patricia Diane Winkler took the stand on Monday afternoon to testify for the prosecution against her mother, Mary Carol Winkler, in the shooting death of her father, Matthew Winkler.

Beginning Monday, about 160 potential jurors crowded into the courtroom at the McNairy County Justice Complex. Mary Winkler, who is accused of killing her husband Matthew Winkler, and her defense team of Steve Farese Sr. and Leslie Ballin arrived early to begin the process of whittling the large pool down to a 12-person jury and 4 alternates. Judge Weber McCraw kept reporters out of the courtroom because of the lack of space.

Less than one week after being hit with a $2 million wrongful death suit, Mary Winkler fired back by retaining a custody attorney in an attempt to possibly regain custody of her three daughters, Patricia; 9, Mary Alice; 7, and Brianna; 2. Within the last weeks, Mary Winkler has retained the services of Memphis attorney Kay Farese (Luckett) Turner, a relative of defense attorney Steve Farese Sr. Turner’s field of practice includes Family Law, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury.

A $1 million wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by Matthew Winkler’s parents against Mary Winkler. The suit was filed last week in McNairy County Circuit Court

Those that have been hoping for a quick glimpse of Mary Winkler or a seat in the court room at the McNairy County Justice Complex when the much anticipated murder trial begins, may have gotten their wish granted without ever leaving the comfort of their home. According to a source within the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, the entire trial, minus the jury selection, will be broadcast live on the Courtroom Television Network, more commonly known as Court TV, each day from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

District Attorney General Michael Dunavant confirmed last week that the prosecution will not seek the death penalty against Mary Winkler in her upcoming first-degree murder trial. Attorney General Dunavant also confirmed he will not seek life without parole, which would have meant Winkler would spend the rest of her life in prison if convicted.

Judge Weber McCraw has ruled that prosecutors can use evidence recovered from the Fourth Street Church of Christ parsonage after the murder of Reverend Matthew Winkler. Mary Winkler, Matthew’s wife, is accused in the March 22, 2006 shooting death of her husband.

Looking more like a businesswoman than someone accused of murder, Mary Winkler was back in McNairy County last Thursday for a motions hearing in an attempt to get evidence obtained from her former home on Mollie Drive after her husband’s death, suppressed. Dressed in a black pantsuit and looking very much like a lawyer on her way to court, Winkler walked tall as she carried a black notebook containing documentation pertaining to her case. In fact, the normally shy, unassuming woman, led the way. Both attorneys Steve Farese Sr. and Leslie Ballin followed their client into the McNairy County Justice Complex.

It seems the paparazzi styled photographers and news hounds that have been in and out of McNairy County since the Winkler murder case began will do anything to get their money shot or scoop. A photographer representing Polaris Images out of New York though, is being charged for obtaining photographs of Mary Winkler illegally and without authorization.

Beginning Monday, February 12 the process of selecting a jury pool for this term of court began. Though the selected jurors could take part in the much anticipated Winkler trial, some will take part in other court cases. Because of the magnitude of the Winkler case and recent developments, photographs that may impact public perception, a broad jury pool is imperative. According to McNairy County Court Clerk Ronnie Brooks, a larger than usual amount of potential jurors were polled, approximately 375 total people to be exact.

According to WMC TV 5 reporter Jason Myles, the station purchased cell phones images that showed Mary sitting at a bar drinking and smoking. The images were taken at the New York Grill Restaurant, in McMinnville, on New Year’s Eve.

Approximately ten months since Fourth Street Church of Christ minister Matthew Winkler was shot, the much anticipated trial of his wife and shooter, Mary Winkler, looks to be further delayed. Since that time speculation and rumors have been the source of talk show and gossip magazine fodder. From Glamor magazine to Court TV, the nation has been inundated with the Winkler story. Theory after theory has been offered up, but the real story has yet to be presented.

At the time of her release, Winkler was only supposed to live and work in McMinnville for approximately two months until her trial, which was originally scheduled for October 30. The trial, however, was postponed and a firm date has yet to be set. According to McNairy County Court Clerk Ronnie Brooks, late February or early March have been mentioned as possible dates.

Mary Winkler’s father, Clark Freeman, says Matthew Winkler abused her physically and mentally. He says the abuse became more apparent during the last three years of their marriage.

Attorneys for Mary Winkler have filed a motion for continuance that could push the October 30 court date back until sometime after the new year if approved. According to sources close to the case, the motions were mailed to McNairy County Circuit Court Judge Weber McCraw and McNairy County General Sessions Clerk Ronnie Brooks last Wednesday.

Two weeks after Mary Winkler walked out of the McNairy County Jail, Circuit Court Judge Weber McCraw has not rendered his decision on motions to suppress statements Winkler gave authorities in Alabama and evidence seized there from her van there.

The media hounds that followed Mary Winkler to McMinnville following her release from the McNairy County Jail last week will have to wait for an opportunity to see her at her new job.

Defense Attorney Steve Farese Sr. got his wish. After four days of failing to get his client, Mary Winkler, released from the McNairy County Jail, day five was the lucky charm.

A busy week of legal work and defense strategies by Mary Winkler’s attorneys Steve Farese, Sr. and Leslie Ballin had the duo attempting to have statements made by Winkler suppressed and at the same time secure their client’s release.

Defense Attorney Steve Farese recently hinted that client Mary Winkler could be released on bond if certain financial dealings came to pass.

It did not take another bond hearing for Circuit Court Judge Weber McCraw to make a decision on Mary Winkler’s petition for bond reduction. On July 14, 2006 Winkler’s attorneys filed a petition to reduce her bond from $750,000 to a $315,000 property bond. Almost two weeks later, Judge McCraw denied her motion.

Mary Winkler still remains in jail after not being able to put forth the $750,000 bond ordered by Judge Weber McCraw seven days after her bond hearing on June 30.

During a recent interview, Defense attorney Steve Farese implied Mary Winkler was not alone in a Nigerian-type check scam that prosecutors have pointed to as her motive for the premeditated murder of her husband.

Attorneys Leslie Ballin and Steve Farese filed a motion last Friday requesting a bond reduction for their client Mary Winkler.

Exactly seven days after hearing arguments from the District Attorney and a well prepared defense team, Circuit Court Judge Weber McCraw set bail for Mary Winkler at $750,000. McCraw’s decision on bail was released Friday in a written statement.

For many, Friday’s bond hearing for Mary Winkler revealed more details than most of the audience in attendance anticipated. Dressed in issued orange jail fatigues, Winkler sobbed uncontrollably as her statement was read aloud for the first time.

According to defense attorney Steve Farese, Mary Winkler received a surprise visit from her children on Sunday, June 25.

Defense attorneys for Mary Carol Winkler, charged with first-degree murder in the death of her husband Matthew, say they have discussed with prosecutors whether they “could resolve this matter without a trial” - that is, with a plea bargain - but such a move seems highly unlikely now.

Mary Winkler, sporting orange jail coveralls, handcuffs and a cross necklace, entered the courtroom and said only “yes sir” to the judge during the brief arraignment last Wednesday. She was indicted on June 12 by a McNairy County grand jury on one count of first-degree murder in the death of Matthew Winkler, her husband and father of their three girls.

Attorneys for Mary Winkler have filed 25 motions that will be heard Friday, June 30.
First on the defense’s agenda will be a motion requesting bond. Other
motions include two that will ask the court to suppress all statements Winkler gave police and all evidence sought to be used against her.

The national media attention will likely descend on McNairy County again this week after the McNairy County Grand Jury handed down a first-degree murder indictment of Mary Carol Winkler Monday morning. The indictment contends that Mary Winkler acted “with premeditation” to shoot her 31-year-old husband.

Accused killer and preacher’s wife Mary Winkler is getting adjusted to life in jail, says her attorney Steve Farese. Farese, who visited his client in the McNairy County Jail recently, says she’s disclosing more about what happened the day her minister husband was murdered. “We’re finding out more and more and more about the past events that led to the culmination of this tragedy,” says Farese.

There have been many theories about what took place inside the house where Matthew Winkler was killed. Last week, State Medical Examiner Dr. Bruce Levy shed some light on the incident.

Steve Farese, lead attorney for Mary Winkler, the wife accused of killing her husband Matthew Winkler, says: “She may be trying to protect someone or something.” Farese wouldn’t elaborate but says Mary Winkler has only told them 10 percent of the story. Farese says her depression maybe the reason she’s not telling them much

Matthew Brian Winkler was born November 21, 1974, in Ft. Worth, Texas, the son of Dan and Diane Boyd Winkler. He was united in marriage to Mary Carol Freeman on April 20, 1996.

Last week, family and friends said goodbye to a young minister who was killed last week. The focus now is on his children and the legal battles ahead.

Mary Winkler, accused in the killing of her husband, waived a public hearing last Thursday so her three children will not have to hear “gruesome things” about their father’s death, one of her attorneys said.

Speculation has run rampant as to Matthew Winkler’s official cause of death. Even though Mary Winkler confessed that she had shot her husband, the TBI would not confirm the cause of death, saying that the death was suspicious and was in fact a homicide.

Defense attorney Steve Farese, who heads Mary Winkler’s legal defense team, ordered a psychiatric evaluation for their client. The private interview took place last Friday.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, The Selmer Police Department and The West Tennessee Drug Task Force Agency combined to produce a winning formula. In less than 24 hours, the most highly publized crime in McNairy County history was on its way to being solved.

Leslie Ballin and Steve Farese are familiar faces inside the courtroom. Ballin defended former University of Memphis basketball player Jeremy Hunt against assault charges. He helped actor Anthony Anderson skate past rape accusations. Steve Farese is representing Michael Hooks, Sr. in the “Tennessee Waltz Scandal.” Farese has been named by his peers as one of the top ten defense attorneys in the nation.

Investigators took a computer from the Fourth Street Church of Christ last Thursday morning as part of its probe into the shooting death of minister Matthew Winkler.
A man in the yard of a neighbor’s house next door to the church confirmed seeing an officer carry what appeared to be a “computer tower” or computer’s hard drive to a police car parked behind the church.

By Janet Rail, publisher of the Independent Appeal

For eight years, the view from my front window is the 4th Street Church of
Christ. I have grown to admire and respect the congregation for they represent dedicated Christian followers attending Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night church and bible study.

Friends and family of Matthew Winkler, 31, gathered to pay their last respects at Shackleford Funeral Home beginning last Monday night. A 5 p.m. visitation drew 200 to 300 people to Selmer’s Shackelford Funeral Directors to pay their respects.

A courtroom full of family, friends, church members and media crowded into the McNairy County Justice Complex to await the arraignment of Mary Winkler Monday afternoon.

Less than 24 hours after Fourth Street Church of Christ minister Matthew Winkler, 31, was found dead in his home, authorities had located his missing wife and three children in Orange Beach, Alabama, about 400 miles south of Selmer. Less than two days into the investigation Mary Winkler, wife of the slain minister, was charged with first-degree murder.

In the wake of Matthew Winkler’s death, all things small town suddenly vanished. The violence that occurred in one moment’s time resulted in the eyes of a nation peering into our once vaguely-known existence.

A full congregation packed into the Fourth Street Church of Christ Sunday morning; however, it was a somber morning because it was the first service without their beloved preacher Matthew Winkler.

Mary Winkler’s head hung low as she was quickly escorted into the McNairy County Justice Complex at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.

Mary Winkler stood before a judge for the first time Monday afternoon, a place that she most likely never planned on being. The congregation of Fourth Street Church of Christ held their first service without their beloved preacher and his family on Sunday morning, an unfortunate event they never planned on taking place.

Selmer, Tennessee was suddenly surrounded by satellite news trucks, roving reporters, law enforcement agents and national news media last Thursday, following the news that Mary Carol Winkler and her three children were missing and her husband and the children’s father, Matthew Winkler, was found shot to death in the couple’s home.

In the wake of Matthew Winkler’s killing at the hands of his wife, many were left to ponder the condition of the couple’s marriage and their own. Just like most couples, the Winklers met, fell in love and eventually married. They worked for a living and had children to care for. In most every way, they were like most average couples that resided in McNairy County.