Woman strangled to death while visiting her convicted murderer husband in prison

IONE, Calif. (TCN) -- Officials announced this week that a woman who died during a conjugal visit with her husband at a state prison had been strangled.

KCRA-TV reports that on Nov. 13, 2024, at around 2 a.m., David Brinson called officers using a family visit phone at Mule Creek State Prison and said that his wife, Stephanie Dowells, became unresponsive during her visit. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and took over. She was pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday, March 17, that Dowells died by strangulation. Officials are investigating her death as a homicide.

According to KXTV-TV, Dowells was at the prison for a family visit, which, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, occurs "in private, apartment-like facilities on prison grounds and last approximately 30 to 40 hours."

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told KXTV in a statement, "Family visits are a privilege, and incarcerated persons must apply and meet strict eligibility criteria to be approved. Only those who demonstrate sustained good behavior and meet specific program requirements are considered. These visits are designed to support positive family connections and successful rehabilitation."

Records show Brinson, 54, is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. He has been incarcerated since 1994. KCRA reports Brinson was convicted of four counts of murder with a firearm enhancement.

No arrests or charges have been made.

Dowells' mother described her daughter to KCRA as "the most giving, kindhearted person."

Her daughter-in-law said Dowells and her husband would read the Bible together. She explained, "He was in school in there because she was pushing him to try to be this better person."

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