By: HISTORY.com Editors
Wife of slain minister released from jail
Mary Winkler, who confessed to fatally shooting her pastor husband Matthew Winkler in his sleep at their church parsonage in Selmer, Tennessee, is released from jail on $750,000 bail. Winkler was later convicted in his killing, but served only a short time in prison.
On March 22, 2006, church members found 31-year-old Matthew Winkler in his bedroom, dead from a shotgun wound in the back. The well-liked minister had failed to show up for evening services. The following day, Mary Winkler, then 32, was arrested in Alabama, driving her three young daughters in the family’s minivan. Winkler told police she shot her husband following an argument. She remained in prison until August 15, 2006, when she was released on bail.
During trial, Winkler claimed her husband had abused her physically and sexually. She also maintained the gun had gone off accidentally. The prosecution argued Winkler had become involved in a financial scam and was trying to hide it from her husband. On April 19, 2007, after deliberating for eight hours, a jury found Winkler guilty of voluntary manslaughter. She was sentenced to three years in prison, but the judge ruled she only had to serve 210 days. Winkler received credit for the five months she’d already spent in jail and the judge allowed her to serve the final 60 days in a mental health facility in Tennessee.
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on August 15th
Related
Crime
42 videos
The FBI released two sketches of the Unabomber suspect: the first in 1987 and a second, which became iconic, in 1994.
Orphaned at 14, Billy the Kid became one of the Wild West’s most legendary outlaws. But how much of his reputation matches the real man?
She was a key witness in Lizzie Borden's murder trial.
About the author
HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Christian Zapata, Cristiana Lombardo and Adrienne Donica.
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article Title
- Wife of slain minister released from jail
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 21, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- May 27, 2025
- Original Published Date
- November 13, 2009
