A California inmate already serving four life sentences for a 1990 quadruple homicide is now the prime suspect in a new murder investigation — this time, accused of killing his wife during a conjugal visit inside Mule Creek State Prison in Ione.
According to local authorities and media reports, 54-year-old David Brinson allegedly strangled 62-year-old Stephanie Brinson during a scheduled overnight visit at the state prison facility on November 13, 2023. The incident occurred during a family visitation — often referred to as a conjugal visit — in one of the prison’s private visitation units, which are designated for extended, unsupervised inmate-family interactions.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has not confirmed the nature of Stephanie Brinson’s death, but in a statement issued Saturday, the department revealed that David Brinson contacted corrections officers around 2:00 a.m., reporting that his wife had “passed out” during their visit. Prison staff attempted resuscitation, but she was pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m.
While the CDCR’s official response offered few details, both the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and the Amador County District Attorney’s Office have confirmed that a homicide investigation is underway and that preliminary findings indicate Stephanie Brinson died by strangulation. An autopsy conducted by the Amador County Coroner ruled her death a homicide, with final results expected to inform whether formal charges will be filed against David Brinson.
Brinson is currently serving four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting four men during a robbery at a Los Angeles apartment in 1990. His violent criminal history, and the fact that he was approved for private visitation privileges, has raised serious questions about CDCR’s risk assessment procedures and the security protocols surrounding the family visitation program.
According to CDCR, family visits are a limited privilege available only to inmates who meet strict behavioral and program requirements. “These visits are designed to support positive family connections and successful rehabilitation,” the agency said in its statement. The department added that only inmates with sustained good behavior are eligible.
In Brinson’s case, many are questioning how an inmate serving life without parole for multiple murders qualified for such privileges. As of Saturday, CDCR had not provided details about Brinson’s recent behavior record or whether any internal reviews are being conducted.
The incident has left Stephanie Brinson’s family grieving and demanding answers. Known affectionately as “Stevi,” Stephanie was a hairstylist, small business owner, mother of two, and grandmother of six. Her family described her as compassionate, deeply spiritual, and devoted to her loved ones — including David Brinson.
“She was the most giving, kindhearted person,” said her mother, Oveta Wilson, in an interview with NBC affiliate KCRA3. “Stevi was the glue that held the family together.”
Stephanie’s son, Armand Torres, told the outlet the family was “devastated” by her death and still struggling to understand how the tragedy could have occurred inside a controlled environment. “My mom was just left alone, and she called for help, I’m sure, and there’s nothing she could do,” Torres said. “Given the history that this guy has, we kind of wanted to know how is it even possible for them to be unsupervised?”
Stephanie Brinson had reportedly maintained a committed relationship with David Brinson throughout his incarceration, frequently visiting him at Mule Creek and encouraging him to improve himself. According to family members, the couple would read the Bible together during visits and speak about rehabilitation and spiritual growth.
“She was pushing him to try to be this better person,” said Nataly Jimenez, Stephanie’s daughter-in-law. But the shocking turn of events has left the family questioning whether her trust and support were misplaced — and whether the prison failed to protect her.
The case has reignited debate over California’s family visitation program, which remains in place at a limited number of state prisons. The program allows qualifying inmates to spend up to 72 hours in private housing units with spouses or close family members, offering a semblance of normalcy and an incentive for good behavior. However, critics say the program may expose family members to potential harm, especially in cases involving violent offenders.
The CDCR has not said whether changes to the visitation program will be considered in light of the incident. It has also not commented on whether the department is conducting an internal review of its policies or oversight related to David Brinson.
The Amador County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that they are awaiting full investigative reports from prison officials before deciding on charges. District Attorney Todd Riebe told the Los Angeles Times that Stephanie Brinson was killed during a conjugal visit and that prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of charging David Brinson with murder.
As the investigation continues, the Brinson family is preparing for legal action and calling for accountability. “How could they just let this happen?” Torres said. “My mom deserved better.”
While David Brinson remains incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison, he is now at the center of a second homicide investigation — one that has not only rocked his family but also raised troubling questions about the balance between rehabilitation programs and public safety within California’s correctional system.
No timeline has been announced for the DA’s final decision, and the CDCR has not said whether Brinson’s visitation privileges had been suspended before the incident. For now, the case remains under investigation as authorities seek to determine how a man convicted of one of California’s most violent crimes was left alone in a private setting with his wife — and how another life was lost behind prison walls.
