Grandparents seek child custody

The grandparents of Winkler?s three daughters have started an attempt to adopt the children, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee courts said Monday.

The paternal grandparents have filed a petition in state Chancery Court to terminate Winkler?s parental rights and clear the way for adopting the youngsters.

Such petitions are confidential, though court hearings will be open to the public.

The petition was filed in the state?s 24th Judicial District and will be heard by Chancellor Ron Harmon of Savannah, Tenn.

Matthew Winkler?s parents, Dan and Diane Winkler, have had legal custody of their granddaughters ? ages 2, 7 and 9 ? since shortly after the slaying. The grandparents also have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mary Winkler.

Prior to Mary Winkler?s trial, she appeared in court to begin proceedings to regain custody of her children.

A successful judicial diversion would also put Winkler in a better position in a custody fight.

?Of course, custody is one of the issues where it might be helpful,? said defense attorney Steve Farese. ?But it just helps with so many things to do with her future, such as employment.?

Winkler was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of first- or second-degree murder after testifying her husband was emotionally, physically and sexually abusive.