Ep 7. Mary Winkler

Mary Winkler was a seemingly perfect wife and mother, until she shocked her small Tennessee town by walking into church one day and confessing to murdering her own husband. In season 9 episode 7 of Snapped, Mary's story is told in detail.

The episode begins with Mary's childhood and background. Growing up in a strict household with a father who was a minister, Mary was raised to be a dutiful and subservient wife. She met her future husband, Matthew Winkler, when he was the youth pastor at her family's church. Mary and Matthew got married and became deeply involved in their own church, but according to some of the people interviewed for the show, there were signs that all was not well in their relationship.

As the years went by, Mary's behavior became increasingly erratic. She withdrew from her friends and family, and she spent a lot of time alone in her bedroom. Meanwhile, Matthew was becoming more and more involved in the church, and some believed that he was pushing Mary aside. Mary's sister, who is interviewed in the episode, says that Mary was unhappy but didn't know how to leave her marriage.

Then, on March 22, 2006, Mary showed up at church and told a friend that something terrible had happened. She eventually admitted that she had shot and killed Matthew while he was sleeping in their bed. Mary was arrested and charged with murder.

The rest of the episode details Mary's trial and the aftermath of the murder. Mary's defense team argued that she had been a victim of domestic violence and that she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Prosecutors, on the other hand, claimed that Mary had planned the murder and had been motivated by a desire to escape her marriage.

The episode includes interviews with Mary's family members, friends, and lawyers, as well as with people who knew Matthew and were involved in the trial. The episode also includes archival footage from Mary's trial and from news reports at the time.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left to decide for themselves whether Mary was a victim or a murderer. The show does not take a clear stance on the matter, and it presents both sides of the story fairly and objectively. However, the episode does raise important questions about domestic violence and the ways it can impact a person's mental health and behavior.

Overall, season 9 episode 7 of Snapped is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a shocking crime and its aftermath. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or domestic violence issues.