
Conjugal Visit Turns Tragic: Mass Murderer Strangles Wife
In November 2024, David Brinson, a convicted mass murderer serving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for a 1994 quadruple homicide, allegedly strangled his wife, Stephanie Brinson, during a conjugal visit at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California. The incident occurred during an unsupervised family visit, a program designed to help inmates maintain family bonds and support rehabilitation.
According to reports, David Brinson alerted authorities on November 13, claiming his wife had lost consciousness. Despite immediate medical attention, Stephanie was pronounced dead shortly after. An investigation by the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and the coroner determined that her cause of death was strangulation.
Stephanie’s family has expressed profound grief and outrage over the incident, questioning how an inmate with Brinson’s violent history was granted unsupervised visitation privileges. Her son, Armand Torres, voiced concerns about the prison’s policies and the safety measures in place, stating, “How could they let this happen?”
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has specific eligibility criteria for family visits, generally excluding inmates sentenced to life without parole or those convicted of violent offenses. However, exceptions can be made based on behavior and other factors. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of these policies to prevent future tragedies.
As of now, no additional charges have been filed against David Brinson, pending the completion of the ongoing investigation. The case has sparked a broader discussion about the safety and oversight of prison visitation programs, especially concerning inmates with violent pasts.