In a heartbreaking turn of events, a California wife was tragically strangled to death during a conjugal visit with her convicted husband, leaving her family devastated and searching for answers.
The Fatal Visit at Mule Creek State Prison
Stephanie Dowells, 62, was visiting her husband, 54-year-old David Brinson, at Mule Creek State Prison when the unthinkable happened.
On November 13, 2024, just before 3 a.m., Brinson, who had been serving a life sentence for four murders committed in 1993, alerted prison guards using the visitor complex’s phone.
He claimed that his wife had passed out, prompting officials to rush to the private area where the visit was taking place.
Upon arriving, officers found Dowells unresponsive and immediately began efforts to revive her.
Sadly, she was pronounced dead an hour later.
The Amador County Coroner’s Office quickly ruled her death a homicide, confirming that Dowells had not simply fainted but had been strangled.
A Family Grieves and Questions Prison Protocol
While the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has launched an investigation into the death, Brinson has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Dowells’ family, however, is adamant that he is responsible for her death and is calling for answers about how such a tragedy could have occurred.
“My mom was just left alone… She called for help, I’m sure, and there’s nothing she could do,” Dowells’ son, Armond Torres, told local media.
“Given the history that this guy has, we want to know how is it even possible for them to be unsupervised?”
The family’s questions center on the safety protocols during conjugal visits.
According to the CDCR, these visits are conducted in private, apartment-like facilities within prison grounds, with sessions typically lasting 30 to 40 hours.
Prison officers are supposed to check on the inmate at least four times within 24 hours, though the department’s manual emphasizes the need for privacy during these visits.
Only inmates convicted of sex offenses or those on death row are barred from having conjugal visits.
The Life Stephanie Dowells Left Behind
Known to her loved ones as “Stevi,” Dowells was a passionate hairstylist, small business owner, and educator.
She was a beloved member of her community and the sole provider for her elderly parents, two sons, and eight grandchildren.
According to a GoFundMe page set up by her family, Dowells had dedicated herself to improving her husband’s life while continuing to pursue her career and mentor others in the beauty industry.
“Stevi was a passionate hair stylist, small business owner, esteemed educator, and master Brazilian Blowout specialist,” the page reads.
“She continuously advanced her skills and generously shared her knowledge, mentoring numerous colleagues and guiding them toward brighter futures.”
The Search for Justice Continues
As the investigation unfolds, Dowells’ family remains heartbroken and determined to find justice.
They are pushing for accountability, not just for the loss of their beloved mother, but also to ensure that no one else falls victim to a similar tragedy behind prison walls.