Slayed as She held her Baby

Was it a cold act of murder ...or self defence?

 

After a row with her husband Todd, Rachel Winkler, 37, w s found dead, stabbed in the neck with a pair of scissors. Todd admitted he killed her, but claimed he’d acted in self-defence in the midst of a psychotic episode – but would the jury believe him?

The Case... Rows and Debts

To most people, Rachel and Todd Winkler seemed like a happily married couple. Todd was a former Air Force fighter pilot and wealthy pharmaceutical executive.

They had three beautiful young children and they lived in an upmarket area of Northern California. Neighbours described them as ‘the perfect family’. But, despite appearances, the couple’s marriage was crumbling. Rachel had grown tired of her husband’s lavish lifestyle and reckless spending. Todd earned $250,000 (around £200,000) a year – but, despite his hefty pay packet, he was spending beyond his means.

There were monthly payments of thousands of dollars on a plane, on mortgage payments for the luxurious home in which they lived, plus more on a second mortgage.