A jury found Mary Winkler guilty of voluntary manslaughter this afternoon in the 2006 shooting death of her husband, Matthew, minister of the Fourth Street church in Selmer, Tenn.
The 10 women and two men deliberated for eight hours, deciding that the prosecution did not prove its case of first-degree murder or even the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
In Tennessee, voluntary manslaughter carries a sentence of three to six years in prison — with a requirement that 30 percent of the time be served — and suggests the crime was committed in an irrational state. Her attorneys were expected to ask for credit for time already served.
As the verdict was read, Mary Winkler showed no emotion. Her eyes followed each juror as McNairy County Judge Weber McCraw polled them as to their verdict.
After a brief recess, McCraw announced Mary Winkler will remain free on $750,000 bond. A hearing was set for May 18, at which time McCraw will pronounce sentence.
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