The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of two women who were killed during separate conjugal visits at Mule Creek State Prison earlier this year.
According to the lawsuit, Tania Thomas and Stephanie Dowells were both strangled to death during approved family visits with their incarcerated partners. Thomas was killed by Anthony Curry, who is serving a life sentence for attempted murder, while Dowells was killed by David Brinson, also a convicted murderer.
The families accuse the CDCR of failing to implement proper safety protocols and screening procedures to ensure the security of visitors. The suit also alleges that prison officials attempted to cover up Thomas’ death, which occurred prior to the killing of Dowells.
The complaint names the CDCR, the prison’s warden, and two supervising guards who were on duty during the incidents. The families seek accountability and systemic reform to prevent similar tragedies.
Curry now faces additional charges in connection with Thomas’ death. No charges have been filed yet in the case involving Dowells.
The CDCR has not issued a public comment regarding the pending litigation.
