Friday, June 8, 2007

Mary Winkler Set Free After "Man Slaughtering" Her Husband

Today was the sentencing trial for Mary Winkler. She was given 3 years but only has to serve 210 days of that behind bars. Even with that, she may not spend a day locked up due to her already spending 5 months under lockdown before the criminal trial. On the other hand, she has been ordered to submit to 60 days in a proper mental facility to address her psychiatric needs. Those 60 days can count towards her 210 day sentence for "man slaughtering" her husband.

There is talk around West Tennessee as to her ability to keep her parental rights. A lot say they should be revoked, some say that she should be able to keep them as her charge was not one in which the relinquishing of custody is mandated. A local radio personality who goes by George B sides with those who would say she should be able to keep her parental rights. You can listen to his opinions between the 3 and 6 o'clock hours during the work-week on WNWS FM online.

You can read more here.

Some questions:

-Do you think 210 days is justice served?
-How do you feel about the sentencing? In light of the accusations made by Mary Winkler against her Church of Christ pastor husband?
-Do you think that there is such a thing as 1st degree murder anymore?
-Given what you know about this situation, what are your thoughts on child custody?
-Placing yourself in the children's shoes, do you think you would want to live with your mother?

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I was surprised at the verdict but not shocked. Now I can say that I AM shocked at the sentence. I thought she'd get at least 5 years. I wonder how the jury feels about their verdict now. Wow.

Tim Ellsworth said...

She shoots her husband in cold blood while he's in bed, and she gets 210 days of prison time? Please. That's a joke.

As for the allegations of abuse -- not proven. Is it possible he abused her? Yes. Is it a fact? We'll never know. Even if he were guilty of doing so, her actions were still terribly wrong and she should be punished for them.

I think she should lose custody of her kids, and there's no way I'd want to live with the woman who killed my dad for no good reason.