SC inmate convicted of killing wife dies on death row

Louis Winkler was out on bond when he shot and killed his wife, then hid from police for two weeks, leading to his conviction in 2008.

By: Skylar Laird

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: September 8, 2026

Words: 503

Last Updated: 1 week, 3 days ago

COLUMBIA — A death row inmate convicted of killing his estranged wife died in prison Monday morning after an extended illness, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Louis Winkler, a 66-year-old from Horry County, spent 18 years on death row. He was one of 22 men housed at the maximum security prison in Columbia.

The Department of Corrections did not give any more information about his illness or how long he was …

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