Winkler fights for custody of her children
Mary Winkler was in court Thursday fighting for custody of her three children, according to several West Tennessee news reports.
Madison County Juvenile Court Clerk Bart Swift confirmed there was a custody hearing held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in that court related to the Winkler case. But because juveniles are involved, Swift said he could not say more than that.
Juvenile Court Judge Christy Little ordered all participants during Thursday?s court hearing ?not to speak about it in any manner,? Swift said.
While Winkler has been free on bond since mid-August, contact with her three children, Patricia Winkler, 9, Allie Winkler, 7, and Brianna Winkler, 2, has been extremely limited.
Mary Winkler is accused of killing her husband, Matthew, with a shotgun blast to the back. Her first-degree murder trial begins April 9 in McNairy County Circuit Court. If convicted on that charge, she could get parole after 51 years.
With Winkler?s trial just over a week away, speculation has swirled about why she is having custody hearings now. A person close to the case told the Standard that Winkler started custody proceedings shortly after making bond. However, due to normal court delays, the case is just being addressed now.
The three girls have been in the custody of Matthew?s parents, Dan and Diane Winkler of Huntingdon, since Mary?s arrest.
Last week, Dan and Diane Winkler filed a $2 million wrongful death lawsuit against Mary on behalf of the children. The suit contends Matthew?s parents are seeking $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.