Woman Strangled to Death During Prison Conjugal Visit with Mass Murderer Husband

Stephanie Dowells, 62, was described as the ‘cornerstone of her family and community.’ She was strangled to death while visiting her husband inside a prison

A woman was strangled to death during an overnight conjugal visit with her husband at a California prison, leaving her family demanding answers on how such an incident could occur.

Stephanie Dowells, 62, was visiting her husband, David Brinson, 54, at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California, on November 13 when she was killed. Brinson has not been charged, but the Amador County Coroner confirmed that Dowells died from strangulation, four months after the incident. Prosecutors are awaiting the completion of the police investigation before filing charges.

Dowells' family is questioning why she was left alone with Brinson, given his violent criminal history. Her son, Armand Torres, expressed disbelief that such a situation was allowed, suggesting that his mother likely called for help but was unable to receive assistance in time.

Stephanie Dowells, left, was at Mule Creek State Prison for an unsupervised overnight visit with her husband, David Brinson, right, when she was killed in the early hours of November 13.

At approximately 2 a.m. on the night of the incident, Brinson contacted prison staff from the apartment-like visitor complex, claiming that his wife had passed out. Officials arrived to find her unresponsive, and she was pronounced dead an hour later.

Brinson was convicted of four murders in 1993 and is currently serving four consecutive life sentences plus an additional 20 years without the possibility of parole.

Dowells was described by her family as a generous and kindhearted person. A mother of two and grandmother, she worked as a hairstylist and operated her own business in Los Angeles. Loved ones remembered her as a pillar of support within her community.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation stated that incarcerated individuals must apply and meet strict eligibility requirements to be approved for conjugal visits, emphasizing that such visits are intended to promote family connections and rehabilitation. However, Dowells’ family continues to question how these guidelines allowed the visit to take place despite Brinson’s criminal background.