Ever wonder how someone rebuilds their life after marrying a murderer? Meet Rebecca Simic, the ex-wife of Mark Winger, whose story grabbed headlines and stunned viewers on ABC’s Bad Romance: Web of Lies, featured on TV Acute. Back in 1995, Mark seemed like a hero when his first wife, Donnah, and a man named Roger Harrington were found dead in their Springfield, Illinois, home. He claimed he shot Harrington to save Donnah, but the truth was far darker—he killed them both. Years later, Rebecca, who’d built a family with him, faced the shock of her life when his lies unraveled. So, where is she now? How did she move on after discovering the man she loved was a cold-blooded killer? Let’s delve into this captivating story of betrayal, perseverance, and a new beginning that will captivate you from the outset.
Rebecca Simic’s Early Days With Mark Winger
Rebecca Simic was just 23, a fresh college grad, when she stepped into Mark Winger’s world. She didn’t come from a spotlight-filled life—honestly, we don’t know much about her early years—but she had a big heart. She applied to be a nanny for Bailey, the 3-month-old girl Mark and his first wife, Donnah, had adopted. Donnah had been brutally murdered in their Springfield, Illinois, home on August 29, 1995, alongside a man named Roger Harrington. At the time, Mark painted himself as a hero, claiming Harrington attacked Donnah, and he shot him in self-defense. Rebecca wanted to help this grieving dad and his sweet baby girl through the chaos.
Bailey’s little smiles won Rebecca over fast. She once said on ABC’s 20/20: The Perfect Lie that she felt drawn to protect this child who’d already lost so much. But things took a turn she didn’t expect. Spending day after day with Mark, caring for Bailey together, sparked something between them. Rebecca later explained, “When you’re living with someone and raising a kid, it’s easy to slip into those family roles.” Mark made her feel special, brushing off any weirdness about moving on so soon after Donnah’s death. He told her he just wanted a perfect family again. Rebecca quickly fell in love with him.
Soon, she was pregnant with their first child. The couple jetted off to Hawaii for a quiet wedding, then settled near Springfield. They added two more kids to the mix, raising Bailey as their own. Mark even converted from Judaism to Christianity to establish the ideal Christian home. For a period, everything appeared to be perfect—until it all crumbled.
The Shocking Truth About Mark Winger
Fast forward to August 23, 2001. Rebecca was at McDonald’s Playland with her four kids when her phone rang. Mark had been arrested for the 1995 murders of Donnah and Harrington. She was floored. She didn’t even know the case had been reopened, let alone that Mark was the prime suspect. Turns out, he’d been having an affair with Donnah’s friend DeAnn Schultz back in ’95, and new evidence—like crime scene photos—pointed straight at him. Panic hit Rebecca hard. Her kids could get caught up in this mess just for being his family.
At first, she stood by him. She couldn’t believe the man she loved was a liar and a killer. She even convinced herself he’d walk free after his trial. But in June 2002, Mark was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. That’s when it hit her: she’d married a master manipulator. Later, in 2007, he got slapped with an extra 35 years for trying to hire a hitman from prison to take out Schultz and a friend. The guy she thought she knew? Gone.
How Rebecca Picked Up the Pieces
Rebecca’s life took a drastic turn following Mark’s conviction. She moved out of their old home, filed for divorce, and declared bankruptcy. As a stay-at-home mom of four—Bailey, Anna, Maggie, and Ben—she had no savings, just love to give her kids. Her brothers stepped in to help her start anew in Louisville, Kentucky. To cut ties with Mark’s name, she changed their last names from Winger to Simic. It was a clean break from a dirty past.
Rebecca had legally adopted Bailey early in her marriage, so she kept full custody. She made sure Bailey stayed connected with Donnah’s family, giving her all the support she deserved. For her biological kids, Rebecca poured everything into being there for them. Today, all four are young adults, and they’ve got a tight bond with their mom. She’s raised them to chase their dreams, no matter what.
Where Is Rebecca Simic Today?
So, where’s Rebecca now? She’s still in Louisville, keeping a low profile away from the cameras. The past still creeps up on her sometimes—it’s tough to shake off years with a murderer—but she refuses to let it define her. She knows she was just an innocent bystander in Mark’s twisted game. Instead of dwelling, she’s turned her energy outward. Reports say she and her kids volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, mentoring kids with parents in prison. It’s her way of showing them they’re not alone and don’t carry the blame for someone else’s crimes.
Rebecca’s story even popped up again on TV Acute when Bad Romance: Web of Lies aired on April 1, 2025. The episode digs into Mark’s lies and how they unraveled, with Rebecca’s journey adding a human touch to the chaos. She’s spoken out before, like in a 2021 20/20 interview, about the emotional scars and her mission to help others. Faith and family keep her grounded, and she’s all about moving forward.
What Happened to Mark Winger?
While Rebecca rebuilt her life, Mark’s still locked up at Western Illinois Correctional Center. His “hero” act from 1995? Total fiction. Evidence showed he planned Donnah’s murder, using Harrington as a scapegoat. The affair with Schultz tipped off investigators, and those crime scene photos sealed his fate. He’s not getting out, and that extra hitman charge just piled on the years. His perfect family dream? His perfect family dream has long since vanished, leaving Rebecca to shoulder the aftermath.
Rebecca’s story sticks with you because it’s real—messy, tough, and inspiring. Got thoughts on this? Drop them below—I’d love to hear what you think!
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