The Pastor’s Wife is based on the true story of Tennessee pastor Matthew Winkler. In 2006, the 31-year-old was found dead in his home — he was shot in the back — and his wife Mary and three daughters (aged 8, 6, and 1) went missing. Mary and the children were eventually found in Alabama. Mary was charged with murdering her husband. She confessed and claimed she suffered from extreme emotional and physical spousal abuse. Mary Winkler was found guilty of manslaughter in 2007, and sentenced to three years in prison.
[The Pastor’s Wife is based on the book: The Pastor’s Wife: The True Story of a Minister and the Shocking Death that Divided a Family
In the TV movie, Pastor Matthew Winkler is portrayed by Michael Shanks. Mary is portrayed by Rose McGowan. She’s best known for her roles on Chosen (Josie Acosta), Once Upon a Time
