Pastor's Wife Charged with First-Degree Murder

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an arrest warrant on first-degree murder charges for Mary Winkler, the wife of Selmer, Tennessee pastor Matthew Winkler, 31, who was found shot to death in the church parsonage Wednesday night after he failed to show up for evening services.

Mary Winkler, 32, and the couple's three daughters were found in Orange Beach, Alabama the day after the pastor's body was discovered and an Amber Alert was issued. She was interviewed by investigators Thursday night in Alabama.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Jennifer Johnson said that Mary Winkler was cooperating with investigators and search warrants had been issued for the couple's home and minivan.

Unconfirmed reports said Matthew Winkler was found in a bedroom with a gunshot in the back. Friends said Winkler had one gun in the house which he used for turkey hunting.

Amber Alert Works

Contrary to earlier reports, Mrs. Winkler was not stopped on the side of the road when a trooper pulled over to help, she was pulled over by the trooper because of the Amber Alert issued for her children.

Authorities said at a press conference Friday that when she was stopped, there was no evidence of trauma. Apparently, she had no visible bruises, cuts or contusions.

A paternal grandparent of the children traveled to Orange Beach to take custody of the young daughters of Matthew and Mary Winkler.

See Also:
Slain Minister's Wife Is Suspect

Earlier Article:
Tennessee Pastor Slain, Family Missing