Slain minister’s parents file $2 million lawsuit against Mary Winkler

Matthew Winkler’s death “has caused the children much mental pain and suffering at the loss of their father and has taken from them the person who economically provided for them and would have economically provided for them for many years to come,” the lawsuit states.
Moreover, Matthew Winkler’s slaying deprived the children of “parental consortium, attention, guidance, care, protection, training, companionship, affection, love and (caused) the loss of prospective inheritance they otherwise would have enjoyed,” according to the lawsuit petition by attorney James N. Adams Jr. of Corinth, Miss.
Dan and Diane Winkler also say their son’s death has caused them “much mental pain and suffering” and placed on them the duty and expense of raising the children.
They seek $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.
A telephone message left at Dan and Diane Winkler’s home Wednesday afternoon was not immediately returned. No one answered the telephone at the church, and their attorney was not immediately available for comment.
Mary Winkler’s defense attorney, Steve Farese, also did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Prosecutors have said they will not seek the death penalty against Mary Winkler. She has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and is free on bond, living and working in McMinnville, Tenn.
Mary Winkler told authorities after her arrest that she shot her husband after a night of arguing over finances and other family matters. Defense attorneys have indicated they may argue at trial that she was physically and emotionally abused.
March 28, 2007