Overview

• Anthony Curry, serving a life sentence for attempted murder, has been charged with the July 2024 killing of his wife, Tania Thomas, during a conjugal visit at Mule Creek State Prison.
• Stephanie Dowells was strangled to death by her husband, David Brinson, during a similar visit in November 2024; charges are still pending in her case as investigations continue.
• The families of both victims are demanding stricter oversight and changes to prison policies, specifically regarding unsupervised visits for violent offenders.
• Current California prison policies allow family visits for inmates who meet strict criteria, excluding only death row inmates and sex offenders, raising questions about the adequacy of these rules.
• The incidents have intensified scrutiny of Mule Creek State Prison and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with calls for accountability and systemic reform.