Winkler grandparents appeal to state high court

JACKSON, Tenn. - The tug of war between Mary Winkler and her children’s paternal grandparents continues has moved to the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Although the Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled Nov. 27 that Mary Winkler’s supervised visits with her daughters could proceed, Dan and Diane Winkler appealed that decision this week to the state’s highest court.

The parents of Matthew Winkler have been fighting for permanent custody of their three granddaughters, ages 10, 8 and 2, since April. Mary Winkler was convicted April 19 of voluntary manslaughter for shooting Matthew Winkler in March 2006.

Mary Winkler gave Dan and Diane Winkler temporary custody of the girls when she was arrested in March 2006.

In their latest court filing, Dan and Diane Winkler request oral arguments before the Supreme Court with two requests:

- That the Carroll County Chancery Court be ordered to appoint an attorney to represent the children in the contested issue of terminating Mary Winkler’s parental rights.

- That if, in fact, the court finds that Mary Winkler should have visitation, whether that the visits be administered as therapeutic visitation, to include a mental health professional, rather than visits simply supervised by a family member.

Mary Winkler was released from jail in August after serving five months, which included time served prior to trial and about two months in a mental health facility.

She is serving an additional three years’ probation.

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