Woman Killed During Prison Visit

Woman Murdered During Conjugal Visit at California Prison

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Ione, California — A conjugal visit at Mule Creek State Prison ended in tragedy after 62-year-old Stephanie Brinson was found dead during an overnight stay with her husband, a convicted mass murderer serving life without parole.

The incident occurred in November 2024 during what California Department of Corrections officials describe as a “family overnight visitation” program. Stephanie Brinson had been visiting her husband, 64-year-old David Brinson, who is incarcerated for the 1990 murders of four men during an armed robbery. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Prison staff were alerted by David Brinson, who reported that his wife had lost consciousness during the visit. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Stephanie was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation by the Amador County Coroner later confirmed she had been strangled. Her death was officially ruled a homicide.

As of now, no formal charges have been filed against David Brinson, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Stephanie Brinson’s family is demanding answers. “How could this happen inside a secure facility? He murdered four people already—why was he allowed that kind of access?” a family member told local media outlets. The case has sparked public outcry and renewed debate about the safety and oversight of extended prison visit programs, particularly for inmates with violent histories.

California is one of a small number of U.S. states that allow certain incarcerated individuals to participate in extended, private family visitations, sometimes colloquially referred to as “conjugal visits.” These programs are intended to maintain family bonds and support rehabilitation but have come under increased scrutiny in recent years.