We're previously discussed Mary Winkler's murder of her husband Matthew--see 'What a man's life is now worth in America if you are killed by your wife'. One of my readers sent me an interesting letter about the testimony of Mathew's loyal daughter Patricia, and also of the circumstances surrounding the murder:

"The Winkler case, like many other cases where a woman is accused of a heinous crime, usually murder, utilizes the abused spouse defense. This defense is remarkably successful, and was demonstrably so in the Winkler case.

"Prior to her murder of Matthew Winkler, his wife, Mary, was engaging in a Nigerian 419 Scam. She was cashing counterfeit checks in various bank accounts linked to her and Matthew, though Matthew was unaware of it.

"She would take the cash from checks and transmit funds to the other participants of the Nigerian 419 scam (Note: The number "419" refers to the article of the Nigerian Criminal Code [part of Chapter 38: "Obtaining Property by false pretenses; Cheating"] dealing with fraud. It is also known as an advance fee fraud.) She was intercepting notices from the bank(s) of the arrearage and fraudulent checks.

"On the day Matthew was murdered they were to have an appointment with one of the banks. At this meeting Matthew would have been made aware of her actions, which constituted bank fraud, wire fraud and check kiting. She was nervous about being discovered. This is the reason for her murder of her husband.

"Mary Winkler and her counsel utilized a battered spouse defense, to great success. This was roundly disproven through testimony of their daughter, Patricia, who stated that her father was a good man and that he did not abuse her mother. She was also present within the residence when Matthew was shot and heard the shot.

"Within the recent past Patricia has been specific that she does not wish further contact with her mother. During Patricia's testimony, cameras were turned off as she is a minor.

"Matthew Winkler was unable to defend his character and honor, since he is dead. Mary Winkler got away with murder."