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IONE, Calif. (BFMG) — A convicted inmate serving a life sentence has been formally charged with murdering his wife during a conjugal visit last year at Mule Creek State Prison in Amador County, the second such fatality at the facility in just months.
David Brinson is accused of strangling his wife, Stephanie Dowells, during the visit, authorities said. In a disturbing echo of a similar incident, another inmate, Anthony Curry, is accused of strangling his wife, Tania Thomas, during a separate conjugal visit in July 2024.
Families of both Dowells and Thomas have joined forces in their pursuit of accountability.
“It has taken a long time … but now that he has been charged with murder, there’s some sense of justice,” said attorney Michael Oppenheimer, representing both families. “There’s no way to bring her back, but at least the state finally did the right thing.”
Brinson’s charging comes as both families pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The lawsuit alleges the department failed to implement adequate safety measures during conjugal visits and displayed “a dangerous disregard for the safety of these women,” calling for urgent policy changes.
About Mule Creek State Prison
Opened in 1987, Mule Creek State Prison is located in Ione, California, and spans approximately 866 acres. It was designed to hold around 3,284 inmates but often operates above capacity. The prison houses offenders across multiple custody levels and is known for housing “sensitive needs” inmates such as informants and gang dropouts.
The facility offers educational courses, vocational training and industry programs including carpentry, welding and meat processing. However, it has also faced criticism for overcrowding and security deficiencies.
Ongoing scrutiny and calls for reform
Amid the recent tragedies, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has come under pressure to reassess its family visitation protocols. California is one of a small number of states that allow conjugal visits in private, apartment-style units — settings that critics argue lack sufficient oversight.
With two visitors killed within months under similar circumstances, families and advocates are demanding a thorough review of policies to ensure safety and prevent further tragedies.
