A woman from California was strangled during a marital visit with her fourth murder husband, causing her family to be deeply sad and desperate to answers.
Stephanie Dowells, 62, visited her husband David Brinson, 54, in the prison of Mule Creek when she died just before 3 hours on November 13, 2024.
Brinson, who was convicted of four murders and in prison for life in 1993, used the telephone of the visitor complex to warn guards faints, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) told KCRA.
Civil servants hurried to the private area and did not find Dowells responding. She was declared dead about an hour later.
The corner of Amador County ruled her death as a murder and determined that Dowells was not only 'fainted' – she was strangled.
The CDCR examines death, but Brinson is not accused of something related to the incident.
The Van Dowells family, however, is certain that Brinson is blamed and called for the prison for endangering the beloved hairdresser and small entrepreneur.
'How can they just let this happen? I just don't get it, 'Dowell's' son Arond Torres told KCRA.
David Brinson, 54, is a convicted four -fold murder who claimed that his wife was fainting in November 2024 during a real visit in November 2024
Dowells was a beloved grandmother of her eight grandchildren and was the only provider of her family
Binson and Dowells saw each other during a non -controlled visit in Mule Creek State Prison when Dowells died
'My mother was just left alone, and she called for help, I know for sure, and there is nothing that she could do.
“Given the history that this man has, we wanted to know a little how it is even possible that they are without supervision?”
The CDCR explained that family visits are taking place 'in private, apartment -like facilities on prison areas', according to the website of the department.
These sessions are generally 30 to 40 hours and the CDCR operational manual states that a prisoner who has one of these visits 'present' himself at least four times within 24 hours.
An officer who is in charge of supervising a visit can check in unannounced, but everything will be made to guarantee the privacy of the prisoner and their visitor (s), “according to the manual.
The only prisoners who are not excluded to have marital visits are convicted of sex offenses or in the death cell.
Prisoners who have just arrived in the facility and go through the reception process, as well as those under disciplinary limitations, are also prohibited by family visits.
A CDCR representative told KCRA: 'Family visits are a privilege and locked persons must submit an application and meet strict suitability criteria.
Stephanie Dowells, 62, was a hairdresser and owner of small companies who were reportedly strangled during a family visit with her husband
Dowells, known by loved ones as 'Stevi', was described as intelligent and generous, her family said she was trying to help Brinson to improve his life
'Only those who demonstrate persistent good behavior and meet specific program requirements will be considered. These visits are designed to support positive family connections and successful rehabilitation. '
The daughter -in -law of Dowells, Nataly Jimenez, said Dowells, known to loved ones like 'Stevi', tried to help her husband improve his life.
“They would read the Bible together. He was there at school because she encouraged him to try to be this better person, “Jimenez told KCRA.
According to a GoFundme founded by the Van Dowells family, she was the only provider for her elderly parents, two sons and eight grandchildren.
“Stevi was a passionate hairdresser, owner of small companies, appreciated educator and master Brazilian outburst specialist,” is the page.
“She constantly promoted her skills and shared her knowledge, guided countless colleagues and led them to a better future.”
