So what's the story with the preacher's wife?

[Darian]

Personally, I'll refrain from hating her or wanting to have her killed until I read the transcripts from the upcoming trial. I can't imagine coming to the conclusion that I want someone dead until I hear ALL the facts. It's probably true that she killed him in cold blood but how can you know until after the trial??

Hi Cindyluwho you do have a very valid point. Until she is tried and convicted in a court of law she normally would be presumed innocent till proven guilty. But in her case she has confessed to the murder and to the motive.

I have no personal animosity towards her. I feel no hatred. I do abhor her actions and behavior though. As a prosecution witness in a double homicide of a woman and her 7 year old daughter I knew rather well, I know first hand how destructive the act of murder can be. Especially for the surviving children. The murderer tried to plead insanity - that the problems in his life were just too much to bear, that he just snapped and blew these folks away. But, since he brought a weapon to court with him, that showed premeditation, hence he may be mentally unbalanced but sane enough to kill, sane enough to go to prison for it.

That preacher's wife was sane enough to get the gun and use it. She didn't have to, she could have just walked away, or filed for bankruptcy if their finances were that bad. I don't believe at all in the insanity defense. After all, what sane person goes around murdering people? I do feel sorry for the children and for the relatives who lost their son. I even feel pity for the preachers wife. How lost she must feel. Even so, if she were strapped into Old Sparky (after a fair trial) I wouldn't hesitate to personally pull the switch.

Does anyone know what the murder weapon was? Make, model and caliber? What kind of ammuntion was used? Fred Helvy used a MAC-10 with a 30 round clip filled with semi-jacketed hollow point bullets. He put about 15 rounds into mom and another 15 into that sweet little 7 year old girl. There was blood everywhere, bits of flesh, bone and hair all over the walls, ceiling, floor and Fred. He used his 4 year old daughter as a human sheild and she got covered in the gore from her little friend. Even many years later, everyone involved was profoundly changed.

Cindyluwho, I apologize if the images from my past experiences have colored my current perceptions regarding the preacher's wife. I'm sorry if I came across as vengeful or callous. Its been my experience that most murderers don't change. Some do, but thats the exception to the rule. From prison, Fred put out a hit on me and so far I've survived two attempts on my life only because I was armed. But my wife at the time couldn't deal with the stress and fear. She filed for divorce and left the state with our daughter, in fear for their lives. As a result of these events I do have definite opinions regarding murder and murderers. It only goes to show how deeply all our lives are interconnected on some level.

Again, I'm sorry if I was snappy in my earlier response.

Darian

 

[Miranda Danda]

Oh Miranda, almost forgot! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Blessings to you both!

Thank you very much!!!
I would love to take you up on your Republican offer. I have proudly been officially a Republican since 2001 when I first registered right after my 18th birthday!

 

[Caradana]

Fred Helvy used a MAC-10 with a 30 round clip filled with semi-jacketed hollow point bullets. He put about 15 rounds into mom and another 15 into that sweet little 7 year old girl. There was blood everywhere, bits of flesh, bone and hair all over the walls, ceiling, floor and Fred. He used his 4 year old daughter as a human sheild and she got covered in the gore from her little friend. Even many years later, everyone involved was profoundly changed. ... From prison, Fred put out a hit on me and so far I've survived two attempts on my life only because I was armed. ...

Add this one to the "and just when I thought I'd read everything on the DIS ..."
Surprised that I can't find much about "Fred Helvy" on the web. Just a short mention in one old news article ...

 

[Cindyluwho]

Hi Cindyluwho you do have a very valid point. Until she is tried and convicted in a court of law she normally would be presumed innocent till proven guilty. But in her case she has confessed to the murder and to the motive.

Cindyluwho, I apologize if the images from my past experiences have colored my current perceptions regarding the preacher's wife. I'm sorry if I came across as vengeful or callous. Its been my experience that most murderers don't change. Some do, but thats the exception to the rule. From prison, Fred put out a hit on me and so far I've survived two attempts on my life only because I was armed. But my wife at the time couldn't deal with the stress and fear. She filed for divorce and left the state with our daughter, in fear for their lives. As a result of these events I do have definite opinions regarding murder and murderers. It only goes to show how deeply all our lives are interconnected on some level.

Again, I'm sorry if I was snappy in my earlier response.

Darian

No Worries!! I too come from a background of violence. That's why I wait until all the information is out there before I make a judgement. At this time it seems that it was for a nonsensical reason but we haven't heard the whole case yet, just a small soundbite from the initial interview. I am very pro death penalty in many cases, OTOH I also feel that folks like the Menendez brothers should be free. Kill OJ, beat the stuffing out of Jacko and let the Menendez brothers go

 

[Darian]

Add this one to the "and just when I thought I'd read everything on the DIS ..."
Surprised that I can't find much about "Fred Helvy" on the web. Just a short mention in one old news article ...

Thats good news to me... I'm glad you didn't come back with something like "Fred Helvy has been granted a new trial" or some such horror inspiring story. Try searching under Lake Elsinor Courthouse or courtroom shooting. BTW Elsinor may be spelled Elsinore. The place smells however you spell the name.

And Caradana, you are correct that it happened a while ago. Years have passed but it still feels like yesterday to me. Having your front door kicked in at 2AM by someone who is there to kill you leaves an impression. I'll see if I can have better luck in my searching. If I do, I'll pass on the links to you. Though I can't imagine why there would be much on the web about him.

Could you please PM me the story you found? I believe Fred is currently enjoying the luxurious accomodations at the San Quentin Federal Penitentiary in beautiful California.

 

[Darian]

....I am very pro death penalty in many cases, OTOH I also feel that folks like the Menendez brothers should be free. Kill OJ, beat the stuffing out of Jacko and let the Menendez brothers go

You have a wickedly beautiful mind! I love your solution!

 

[Darian]

PS I should buy your book! Where can I get a copy?

 

[Darian]

Thank you very much!!!
I would love to take you up on your Republican offer. I have proudly been officially a Republican since 2001 when I first registered right after my 18th birthday!

You ROCK Miranda!!!! Are you going to have a Disney honeymoon?

 

[disneyfanz04]

Bond Set at $750,000 for Pastor's Wife
By WOODY BAIRD, Associated Press Writer
1 hour ago

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Bond was set at $750,000 Friday for a small-town minister's wife charged with killing her husband at their Church of Christ parsonage.

"For her, that's tantamount to no bond at all," said defense lawyer Steve Farese.

Mary Winkler, 32, has been held without bond since March 23, the day after her husband, Matthew Winkler, 31, was found dead at the parsonage in Selmer, about 80 miles east of Memphis.

If unable to post bond, Mary Winkler will remain behind bars awaiting her first-degree murder trial scheduled to begin Oct. 30.

Winkler told police she shot her husband as he lay in bed on the morning of March 22 after they argued over finances and other family matters. She was later arrested in Alabama with the couple's three young daughters, who are now living with their paternal grandparents.

Authorities say Mary Winkler deposited $17,500 in checks from unidentified foreign sources in family bank accounts over several months prior to the killing, and a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent accused her at a bond hearing last week of "check kiting."

Defense lawyers say the Winklers were victims of an overseas check scam and had received at least three checks from Canada and Nigeria. They also contend Matthew Winkler knew about the checks and the deposits.

 

[Christi03301982]

Just to introduce myself I am the youngest daughter of Fred Helvy and somehow came across this message board and thread, and feel the need to correct one of the statements made about my father although in no way am I defending him because I know what he did was absolutely horrible, he didn't use me as a shield he ran out the courthouse with me in his arms in front of him, and when the courthouse guards/cops caught up to him he had already put me down next to our truck.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Darian
Fred Helvy used a MAC-10 with a 30 round clip filled with semi-jacketed hollow point bullets. He put about 15 rounds into mom and another 15 into that sweet little 7 year old girl. There was blood everywhere, bits of flesh, bone and hair all over the walls, ceiling, floor and Fred. He used his 4 year old daughter as a human sheild and she got covered in the gore from her little friend. Even many years later, everyone involved was profoundly changed. ... From prison, Fred put out a hit on me and so far I've survived two attempts on my life only because I was armed. ...

I am very curiuos about the statement about him making attemps on someones life from in prison I had no knowledge of this and would like to know why he would try to do this or how even. I ofcourse didn't know my father to well and at times went years without talking to him so Im not gonna say he didnt do it, Im just a little suprised at reading this.

I believe Fred is currently enjoying the luxurious accomodations at the San Quentin Federal Penitentiary in beautiful California.

And the last thing I would like to say is that my father is no longer living he died in a prison fight 2 years ago this august in Corcoran State Prison


Sorry If I am intruding in your thread I just wanted to reply to this so I hope nobody is offended by my post.


Christi

 

[Darian]

Just to introduce myself I am the youngest daughter of Fred Helvy and somehow came across this message board and thread, and feel the need to correct one of the statements made about my father although in no way am I defending him because I know what he did was absolutely horrible, he didn't use me as a shield he ran out the courthouse with me in his arms in front of him, and when the courthouse guards/cops caught up to him he had already put me down next to our truck.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Darian
Fred Helvy used a MAC-10 with a 30 round clip filled with semi-jacketed hollow point bullets. He put about 15 rounds into mom and another 15 into that sweet little 7 year old girl. There was blood everywhere, bits of flesh, bone and hair all over the walls, ceiling, floor and Fred. He used his 4 year old daughter as a human sheild and she got covered in the gore from her little friend. Even many years later, everyone involved was profoundly changed. ... From prison, Fred put out a hit on me and so far I've survived two attempts on my life only because I was armed. ...

I am very curiuos about the statement about him making attemps on someones life from in prison I had no knowledge of this and would like to know why he would try to do this or how even. I ofcourse didn't know my father to well and at times went years without talking to him so Im not gonna say he didnt do it, Im just a little suprised at reading this.

I believe Fred is currently enjoying the luxurious accomodations at the San Quentin Federal Penitentiary in beautiful California.

And the last thing I would like to say is that my father is no longer living he died in a prison fight 2 years ago this august in Corcoran State Prison


Sorry If I am intruding in your thread I just wanted to reply to this so I hope nobody is offended by my post.


Christi

Dear Christi, you were very young then and I'll respond to your post in detail via PM.

 

[Kerlynne]

Slain Minister's Wife Released on Bond
By WOODY BAIRD, AP

SELMER, Tenn. (Aug. 15) -- A minister's wife accused of shooting her husband to death after the two argued over money was released from jail Tuesday on $750,000 bond.

Mary Winkler, 32, is charged with killing Matthew Winkler on March 22 at their church parsonage in Selmer, about 80 miles east of Memphis.

She was arrested the following day in Alabama, where she had taken the couple three young daughters, and has been behind bars on a charge of first-degree murder since then. Her trial is scheduled for October.

Winkler walked out of the jail between two of her defense attorneys, keeping her head down and refusing to answer questions. Her father, Clark Freeman of Knoxville, drove her away from the jail.

As part of her bond, Winkler is required to live with friends in McMinnville, 65 miles southeast of Nashville, where she will work at a dry cleaners and be supervised by the state probation office.

Defense attorneys Steve Farese said Winkler is eager to see her three young daughters, who are living with their paternal grandparents, but no arrangements have been made for visits.

"Her emotional state is fragile. Certainly she's apprehensive," Farese said.

In a statement to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Winkler said she shot her husband after a night of arguing over finances and other family problems.

The couple had gotten tangled up along with her husband in a swindle known as an advance-fee fraud, or the "Nigerian scam," in which victims are told that a sweepstakes prize or some other riches are waiting for them if they send in money to cover the processing expenses, her lawyers have said.

No one has said how much money the Winklers may have lost, or what role the financial strain might have played in the shooting.

Defense lawyers have implied that Mary Winkler was emotionally abused by her husband.


08/15/06 14:04 EDT

 

[Robinrs]

Slain Minister's Wife Released on Bond
By WOODY BAIRD, AP

The couple had gotten tangled up along with her husband in a swindle known as an advance-fee fraud, or the "Nigerian scam," in which victims are told that a sweepstakes prize or some other riches are waiting for them if they send in money to cover the processing expenses, her lawyers have said.

No one has said how much money the Winklers may have lost, or what role the financial strain might have played in the shooting.

Defense lawyers have implied that Mary Winkler was emotionally abused by her husband.


08/15/06 14:04 EDT

Wow! I find it HARD to believe that people are gullible enough to get swindled by those OBVIOUS scams! I figured they must be working because they keep trying... a fool and his money.

 

[disneyfanz04]

just found an update...she did it by "accident"??????

Preacher's Wife: Shooting Was Accidental
By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer
2 hours ago

SELMER, Tenn. - A preacher's wife testified at her murder trial Wednesday that her husband abused her physically and sexually, but she said the shotgun fired accidentally as she pointed it at him in their parsonage bedroom.

Mary Winkler heard a "boom" but she said she did not pull the trigger, prompting prosecutor Walt Freeland to ask her later if she understood how a trigger worked.

"You know that pulling a trigger is what makes it go boom?" Freeland asked.

"Yes, sir," Mary Winkler replied. She said she remembered holding the gun, but not getting it from the closet.

She said she just wanted to talk to her husband, Matthew, when she went into their bedroom that day in March 2006, but she was too terrified. "He just could be so mean," she said.

But, she told Freeland, her husband did "nothing" for which he deserved to die.

Her depiction of her marriage contrasts radically with the description by the prosecution, whose witnesses described Matthew Winkler as a good father and husband. The couple's 9-year-old daughter, Patricia, testified she had a good father and she never saw him mistreat her mother.

Matthew Winkler, 31, was fatally shot in his back. A day later, his wife was arrested on the Alabama coast 340 miles away, driving the family minivan with her three young daughters inside.

Mary Winkler said she planned to return to Selmer but wanted time alone with her daughters. "All I knew was that the stupid gun had went off, and nobody would believe me and they would just take my girls away from me," she said.

Mary Winkler said despite being abused, she still loved her husband.

"I was ashamed," she said, explaining why she told no one of the abuse. "I didn't want anybody to know about Matthew."

Mary Winkler testified her husband punched her in the face, kicked her at times and refused to grant her a divorce. Shortly after they were married, "he just got me down and told me that I was his wife and we were family now, and he just screamed and hollered," she testified.

Speaking about their sex life, she spoke quietly and hesitantly, with eyes downcast. She said Matthew Winkler forced her to view pornography, dress "slutty" and have sex she considered unnatural.

The defense showed the jury a pair of white platform-heel shoes and a wig Mary Winkler said her husband wanted her to wear during sex. She described a skirt he wanted her to wear as "very, very short." Pornographic photos she identified as coming from their home computer were entered as evidence.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Mary Winkler could be sentenced to up to 60 years in prison. But defense attorney Steve Farese said the judge would decide if the jury could consider lesser charges, such as voluntary manslaughter or reckless homicide.

A psychologist testified Mary Winkler could not have formed the intent to commit a crime because of her compromised mental condition. She suffered from mild depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which started at age 13 when her sister died and was worsened by her husband's abuse, Dr. Lynn Zager said.

Last week, prosecutors played an audiotape in which Mary Winkler acknowledged shooting her husband. She told authorities that her husband criticized her constantly and that she got tired of it and just "snapped."

"That's the problem. I have nerve now, and I have self-esteem. My ugly came out," Winkler said on the audiotape.

She told the prosecutor Wednesday she didn't know where she found that new sense of self-esteem. "I cannot tell you today the reasoning behind what I said that night," she said.

The prosecution has also said Mary Winkler was under stress because bank managers were closing in on a check-kiting scheme that she wanted to conceal from her husband. But Mary Winkler said her husband knew about the financial problems.

"We were in great debt," she said. "Nobody knew of all the credit card debt we had."

 

[disneyfanz04]

Tenn. Preacher's Wife Convicted
By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer
2 hours ago


Defense attorney Tony Farese comforts Mary Winkler Thursday, April ...
SELMER, Tenn. - A preacher's wife who claimed her husband abused her was convicted Thursday of voluntary manslaughter for shooting him.

Mary Winkler, 33, showed no emotion as the verdict was read.

Prosecutors had asked that Winkler be convicted of first-degree murder, but the jury settled on the lesser charge after deliberating for eight hours. She faces three to six years in prison.

Winkler had told jurors that her husband, Matthew, abused her physically and sexually, but she said the shotgun went off accidentally as she pointed it at him.

The prosecution said it was ludicrous to suggest the shooting was an accident.

Matthew Winkler, a 31-year-old preacher at the Fourth Street Church of Christ, was found in the church parsonage fatally shot in his back in March 2006. One day later, his wife was arrested on the Alabama coast, driving the family minivan with their three young daughters.

Prosecution witness described Matthew Winkler as a good husband and father, and the couple's 9-year-old daughter testified she never saw her father mistreat her mother. Mary Winkler also said under cross-examination that her husband did nothing for which he deserved to die.

This is a breaking news update. Check back soon for further information.