Press release - Series
April 17, 2024
‘20/20’ Investigates the Crumbling Marriage and Brutal Killing of a Small-Town Minister
Program Includes Exclusive Interview With a Juror on the Case and a Retired Special Agent Who Tracked Down the Killer That Shocked the Nation
Program Airs Friday, April 19 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, Next Day on Hulu
It seemed like life in the small town of Selmer, Tennessee, revolved around the well-known and beloved church pastor Matthew Winkler. Matthew, along with his wife Mary and their three daughters, were seen as a perfect family — until parishioners discovered their pastor’s body in the family’s home, and Mary and the daughters were nowhere to be found. In a new “20/20,” ABC News correspondent John Quiñones investigates the dark truth of the marriage, including allegations of financial scams and emotional abuse and details of the Winkler’s sex life.
The two-hour program features exclusive interviews with a juror on the case, Shannon Whitely; retired TBI Special Agent John Mehr, who headed up the investigation into Matthew Winkler’s death; and Donna Dunlap, Mary’s former probation officer. The episode also includes interviews with retired TBI director Mark Gwyn, former secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Stan Stabler, and assistant McNairy County district attorney Walt Freeland. Additional interviews include author Diane Fanning, former WKRN reporter Jamey Tucker, retired WMC reporter Janice Broach, and former Independent Appeal reporter Russell Ingle. “20/20” airs Friday, April 19 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, next day on Hulu.
ABC News’ “20/20” is the No. 1 award-winning primetime program anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts. A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 45 years, “20/20” features unforgettable, character-driven true-crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories. Janice Johnston is the executive producer. The two-hour “20/20” events air Fridays from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu.
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ABC News Media Relations
Sarah Jautz
sarah.jautz@abc.com
Bridgette Maney
bridgette@bridgepr.net