The parents of slain Selmer preacher Matthew Winkler are seeking $2 million in damages from the daughter-in-law police have said confessed to killing their son.
Charles Daniel "Dan'' Winkler and Diane Winkler are suing Mary Winkler for wrongful death on behalf of their three grandchildren, Brianna, 2; Mary Alice "Allie'', 7, and Patricia, 9.
The suit was filed March 19 in McNairy County Circuit Court. No court date has been set, the Winklers' attorney, James N. Adams Jr. of Corinth, Miss., said Wednesday.
Dan and Diane Winkler were granted custody of their grandchildren on March 31, 2006, in McNairy County Juvenile Court, the suit said. Matthew Winkler's death has placed "the duty and expense of raising the children" on his parents, the suit said. The Winklers also had to pay their son's funeral costs.
"The children have suffered the loss of parental consortium, attention, guidance, care, protection, training, companionship, affection, love and the loss of prospective inheritance they otherwise would have enjoyed" as a result of Matthew Winkler's wrongful death, the suit said.
Asked if Mary had the $2 million and whether the Winklers expected to collect it, Adams said in a phone interview that he didn't know.
He wouldn't comment on why the Winklers filed the suit or whether they expected Mary Winkler might get money from any possible book or movie deals.
Adams said he couldn't answer whether the Winklers are struggling financially to raise the children, but added that he didn't think so.
Mary Winkler's attorneys did not return calls seeking comments. Dan and Diane Winkler are seeking half the money for compensatory damages, including mental pain and suffering and funeral expenses. The other $1 million is for punitive damages.
She's not off the hook yet, Palladin..:)
I watched every minute of that trial...First time I've ever seen a Christian defendant and attorneys tell so many lies and get away with them.
Nothing but pure MENDACITY!
Dan & Diane Winkler & their family are the dearest people! Easy to see Jesus Christ lives deep within their souls.
In my heart of hearts, I do believe Mary Winkler and her attorneys will be held accountable in the hereafter for the blatant mendacity they displayed in that court room.
Good for the grandparents. Glad to hear they have the kids. And not having money will probably bother this woman more than anything. Hope she has to live under a bridge. (sorry, hobos) (oops, for the PC, homeless)
So now on the local news it says they may file for judicial diversion. She would serve no prison time and her record could be cleared?