Murdered woman’s family questions prison visitation policies

A woman was murdered during a private visit with her husband, who is a convicted killer, at Mule Creek State Prison in California. Stephanie Dowells, 62, died during an overnight visit in November. Her family is seeking answers and questioning why an inmate with such a violent past was allowed unsupervised visits. Dowells’ mother, Oveta Wilson, described her daughter as kind and always helping others. Dowells was a mother and grandmother, known lovingly as “Stevi.” Her family is devastated and wants justice, especially after the Amador County Coroner confirmed that she was strangled. Dowells was visiting her husband, David Brinson, who is serving multiple life sentences for four murders committed in 1993. He informed officers that Dowells had passed out during the visit. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) stated that Dowells’ death is still under investigation, and no one has been charged. Family visits at the prison are designed to strengthen family bonds but come with strict eligibility criteria. The CDCR explained that only inmates who show good behavior can qualify for these visits. However, Dowells’ family believes that the rules should be reevaluated to prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.