Could California see the end of conjugal visits at state prisons amid deaths of women?
(FOX40.COM) — California is one of only five states in the U.S. that allow conjugal visits within the prison system, but after two recent deaths, could that soon be a thing of the past?
• Video Above: What are the most reported crimes in America?
Conjugal visits, also known as “family visits,” are for incarcerated persons and occur in private, apartment-like facilities on prison grounds. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, they last about 30 to 40 hours and allow inmates to spend time with their parents, children, siblings, and most commonly, legal spouses. During visits with spouses, sexual relations are allowed.
Camping World location closes amid controversy over flying American flag
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, besides California, the only states in the country that allow conjugal visits are New York, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Minnesota. However, with two recent deaths of women during the specialized visits, talks of putting an end to them in the Golden State are underway.
“This bad policy has led to the death of 2 women killed while visiting unsupervised,” said Assemblymember David Tangipa. “My office is committed to fight for normal, protect lives, and get rid of insane laws in California.”
Popular Sacramento brewery abruptly closes all three of its area locations amid lawsuit
The two women Tangipa referred to are 47-year-old Tania Thomas and 62-year-old Stephanie Brinson, who died during conjugal visits in Northern California. Both of them were allegedly strangled to death. Thomas died in July 2024, and Brinson died in November 2024.
At the time, Thomas’ domestic partner, Anthony Curry, 48, was already serving a life sentence for attempted second-degree murder. Brinson’s husband, David Brinson, 54, was also serving a life sentence for murder.
“Prisoners serving life without parole get date nights, condoms, and up to four days unsupervised—On Your Dime,” Tangipa said.
He is working on legislation to put an end to conjugal visits in California.
“If you are a murderer, why would you get the option to visit with your family? When I think about the victim’s family who will never get the option to see their family member again,” Tangipa said in an interview with CBS47/KSEE 24. “I think this is irresponsible. I think murderers need 24-hour supervision. I think they should not have conjugal visits. They have not earned it.”
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
