48 Hours - Invitation to a Murder

In 1995, Donnah Winger was beaten to death at home by an intruder with a hammer. Her husband, Mark Winger, heroically shot the intruder. But four years later, Donnah’s best friend revealed to police that she and Winger had been having an affair and that he had talked about killing his wife. “48 Hours" Correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports. This classic "48 Hours" episode last aired on 9/5/2009. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.

Duration: 41m
Broadcast on: 17 Dec 2025
Audio Format: other

[Music] Now approaching the entranceway via the front door in the family dining room area we see what appears to be a large pool of blood. I learned never let anyone's emotions cloud your vision when you're investigating a crime. The hammer covered with what appears to be blood. I never jumped to any conclusion. Some are automatic hand guns. I didn't tell you've had plenty of time to think about it. [Music] I had seen many crime scenes where there was a lot of blood and gruesome sights, but none that bad. [Music] I was at the Springfield Police Department in the major case office, and I heard the radio call. [Music] Detective Cox, who was my partner at the time, drove. This batch advises the second victim that was at the scene was actually believed to be the intruder, and that the husband had shot the intruder. [Music] He had the hammer in his hand, and he was standing over her. And I was like, "Oh God, I know, oh my God." [Music] Are you Mark Winger? Yes, I am, yes I am. And your wife is down there? Yes, she is. I got to get to my wife. Please, just let me get to my wife. [Music] Springfield is a beautiful little town. It's Midwestern, it's small, the people are sweet, and it's just a lovely place. It's a very friendly and clean city with very sensitive and compassionate people. My name is Sarah Jane Drescher, and I am Donna Winger's mother. Mark and Donna were just so happy. We don't know where she's sleeping tonight. I mean, she was just so enthused. I mean, that's all it was to it, to be a mommy. I mean, that was the best for her. It's beautiful. My name is Ira Drescher, and I am Donna Winger's stepfather. Mark told the police basically what had transpired. [Music] Here he was 31 years old with a three-month-old child, and he had to shoot a man. Oh, my gosh, our hearts bled for him. I don't think there was ever anyone who met her who couldn't love her. Say hi. Who would want to hurt such a beautiful little person? [Music] From every case you learn something, and this one taught me, you never take anything at Phase V, nothing. He was killing my wife. [Music]

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