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 [ STATE WATCH ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=385)

#  Woman Killed During Conjugal Visit With Husband Who Is A Convicted Murderer

Written by Jenna Curren.

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April 07 2025

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LAW ENFORCEMENT - A notorious killer serving life in prison without the possibility of parole reportedly strangled his wife to death during a conjugal visit at the prison.

According to [WAVY](https://www.wavy.com/news/national/woman-killed-during-conjugal-visit-with-convicted-california-murderer-officials-say/), David Brinson has been serving four consecutive life sentences for the murder of four men. His most recent location is at the Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP); the same prison where he is accused of killing his wife. Officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said that on November 13, 2024, around 2:00 a.m., Brinson told correctional officers that his wife, 62-year-old Stephanie Brinson, had passed out.

The officers attempted lifesaving measures, but the wife was declared dead just before 3:00 a.m. Four months after the woman's death, the county's coroner confirmed that she was strangled to death. Todd Riebe, Amador County District Attorney, said that he is awaiting the prison's full report before filling charges against Brinson.

Conjugal visits, also referred to as "family visits," are held in a private, apartment-like facility on prison grounds. The visits are restricted to immediate family members, including legal spouses, parents and children, and last around 30 to 40 hours. According to [ABC10](https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/woman-death-investigation-mule-creek-state-prison-david-brinson-homicide/103-d0711a70-2274-450b-995b-7f0ac8d27202), it is unclear how long Stephanie Brinson visited for or when she arrived to the conjugal visit.

Inmates excluded from conjugal visits include those who are on death row, individuals incarcerated for sex offenses, anyone in the Reception Center process, or those under disciplinary restrictions. CDCR said in a statement, "Family visits are a privilege, and incarcerated persons must apply and meet strict eligibility criteria to be approved."

CDCR said, "Only those who demonstrate sustained good behavior and meet specific program requirements are considered. These visits are designed to support positive family connections and successful rehabilitation."

Brinson was sentenced in 1994 for first-degree murder after he was convicted of killing four men, including a retired tavern owner, execution-style during a robbery at an LA apartment. [KTLA](https://ktla.com/news/local-news/woman-killed-during-conjugal-visit-with-infamous-california-murderer-officials-say/) reported that during his trial, witnesses testified that Brinson believed the former tavern owner was a well-connected cocaine dealer when he showed up with a gun and two accomplices hoping to rob the men for drugs and money.

After tossing the apartment and only finding a scant amount of marijuana, witnesses testified that Brinson shot the four men as they laid face down on the floor of the bedroom. The men had apparently gathered at Robert Marks, the retired tavern owner's home to watch a basketball game.

Since 1994, Brinson has had four serious rule violations, none of which occurred at MCSP. After the incident with his wife, Brinson was transferred to the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, a state prison for incarcerated patients with long-term medical or acute mental health needs.

*(Jenna Curren, Ed.D., is an associate professor of criminal justice with 15 years of combined experience in corrections and higher education. She previously served in the Connecticut Department of Correction, reaching the rank of Lieutenant, and worked with diverse offender populations including youth, women, and individuals with mental health needs. Jenna also served as a C.E.R.T. and honor guard member and was a training officer during her tenure. This article was first featured in [lawenforcementtoday.com](https://lawenforcementtoday.com/))*

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