Withering Words

The verdict does not end the lingering legal issues surrounding the slaying.

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Fights lie ahead between Mary Winkler and her in-laws. Diane and Dan Winkler filed a $2 million wrongful death civil suit against her, and they are seeking permanent custody of their three grandchildren, Patricia, 9; Allie, 7, and Brianna, 2.

The Winklers are trying to terminate Mary's parental rights, and she responded with a petition to seek immediate custody. The case is pending in Chancery Court in Jackson, Tenn.

Winkler Family

The most riveting moments in Friday's long hearing came during victim impact statements given by the Matthew Winkler's brother and mother. After initially expressing love and support for their daughter-in-law, Winkler family has had an increasingly contentious relationship with her.

"I've watched as the life of my brother has been turned into a circus," testified Daniel Winkler. While starting icily at his sister-in-law, he added, "I don't see any remorse."

Even more withering was the testimony of the victim's mother, Diane Winkler.

"You broke your girls' hearts," Mrs. Winkler said during a stern 30-minute monologue in which she stared intently at Mary Winkler, who sat wearing a print dress and white sweater. "Mary, you have destroyed your husband's character. You have destroyed his good name...You have accused him of being a monster who abused and belittled you."

Mary Winkler read a statement in court, insisting that she was filled with remorse.

Despite the acrimonious moments, the sentence itself was anti-climactic to the verdict of voluntary manslaughter, which legal observers unanimously agreed was an astounding victory for defense lawyers Farese and Ballin, whose empathy-and-abuse strategy outflanked the prosecution.

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