Matthew and Mary Winkler’s oldest daughter, 9-year-old Patricia, was scheduled to begin testifying in her mother’s trial after lunch today.
Mary Winkler is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband, who was the minister at Selmer’s Fourth Street Church of Christ.
The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case today, which is the fourth day of testimony. The defense will then begin presenting its witnesses.
Before lunch, Matthew Winkler’s mother, Diane Winkler of Huntingdon, was on the witness stand. Matthew’s parents have custody of the Winklers’ three young daughters and are suing Mary Winkler for wrongful death on the children’s behalf.
Diane Winkler testified today that the children are getting counseling. She said that Patricia just wants to be normal, like the other kids at her school.
Patricia had been telling people that her mother was going to get married again, move to Georgia and have another baby, Diane Winkler testified. When Diane Winkler asked Patricia why she had been saying that, Patricia told her that she wanted to have a normal family again. Patricia said she wanted her mom and dad back, Diane Winkler testified.
When asked by the defense if she and her husband have tried to turn the children against Mary Winkler, Diane Winkler said they have not. She said the family still loves Mary but had gotten to a point where they didn’t want to read her letters anymore.