Woman strangled during visit to Mule Creek State Prison

A woman died while visiting her husband at Mule Creek State Prison. She was 62 years old and named Stephanie Diane Brinson, also known as Stephanie Dowells. The Amador County Sheriff’s Office announced that her death has been ruled a homicide due to strangulation. The incident occurred on November 13 at around 2 a.m. An inmate in the prison contacted officers, saying his wife had passed out during their visit. Prison staff performed lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, Dowells was pronounced dead shortly after. Her husband, David Brinson, is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. He has been incarcerated since 1994. The investigation into Dowells's death is ongoing and is being handled by the prison and the Amador County District Attorney’s Office. As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with her death. This story is still developing. More updates will be provided as they become available.