Stephanie Diane Dowells, 62, was strangled and killed during a family visit at Mule Creek State Prison in California by her husband, David Brinson, who was convicted of murdering four people. Dowells’ family questions why a convicted murderer was allowed family visits. This incident was the second homicide during a family visit at the prison in a year. Charges are pending for Brinson, and the investigation is ongoing. Dowells’ family expressed shock and sorrow over her death.
Dowells’ son, Armand Torres, trusted Brinson to accompany Dowells and his son on prison visits, unaware of Brinson’s criminal background. The family believed Dowells was happy in her relationship with Brinson, despite occasional arguments over the phone. The family visits at the prison are considered a privilege and aimed at supporting positive family connections and rehabilitation.
Tania Thomas, another victim, was strangled during a family visit by her partner, Anthony Curry, who is serving a life sentence for attempted murder and carjacking. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of family visits, with calls for increased supervision and accountability by prison officials. Torres called for more strict criteria for family visit eligibility, especially for violent offenders. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says inmates are required to meet specific requirements to be approved for family visits.
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