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On anniversary of church shooting, pastor's widow still struggles

By AP/St. Louis Public Radio

Maryville, Ill. – The wife of a Metro East pastor who was fatally shot during a Sunday sermon a year ago says she wishes she could have a single day without struggle.

Two services were held Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Maryville to mark the anniversary of the tragedy.

The Rev. Fred Winters, was shot and killed on March 8 2009. His wife, Cindy Winters says the last 12 months have been the most painful she's had to face, and her children are still suffering.

Winters said the disbelief and shock have worn off since the death, but now she's pondering what she calls "issues of the heart."

Terry Sedlacek was charged with first-degree murder, but he was declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

Sedlacek is being held in an Illinois Department of Human Services treatment facility.

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