Poison Specialist Fatally Poisons Wife
In a shocking case that has gripped Minnesota, former Mayo Clinic resident and poison control specialist Connor Bowman has been indicted on charges of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Betty Bowman. Authorities allege that Connor used his expertise in toxic substances to poison Betty with a lethal dose of colchicine, a medication typically used to treat gout but deadly in high concentrations.
A Medical Mystery Turns Criminal Investigation
Betty Bowman was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 16, 2023, suffering from severe gastrointestinal distress, symptoms that initially seemed like food poisoning. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she passed away just four days later at the age of 32. Connor, who was present throughout her hospitalization, allegedly suggested to doctors that Betty was suffering from a rare autoimmune disease, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), to explain her sudden decline. But tests for HLH came back inconclusive, raising suspicions about the true cause of her death.
Suspicious Behavior
Connor's behavior following Betty's death only deepened investigators' concerns. He reportedly urged the medical examiner's office to cremate Betty's body immediately, claiming her death was due to natural causes. He also allegedly attempted to cancel the autopsy, even inquiring about the thoroughness of toxicology tests. These actions, combined with his attempts to access Betty's medical records during her hospitalization, led authorities to dig deeper.
Their investigation revealed that Connor had conducted online searches to calculate the fatal dose of colchicine based on Betty's weight and had purchased the drug shortly before her death. Even more incriminating were searches related to deleting Amazon data and whether internet searches could be used as evidence in court.
Double Life
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered more disturbing details about Connor's life following Betty's death. Just weeks after her passing, he was already active on dating apps, identifying himself as a "widower" and providing conflicting stories about his wife's death. He also allegedly mentioned a large life insurance payout to one of his matches, which he planned to use to pay off student loans. This behavior painted a chilling picture of a man who appeared more concerned with financial gain and personal freedom than grieving the loss of his wife.
A Community in Mourning
Betty Bowman, remembered by friends and family as a kind and loving person, left behind a community reeling from the tragedy. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support her mother with legal and memorial costs, raising over $13,000 as of January 2024. The case continues to unfold, with Connor Bowman expected to face trial, where the full extent of his alleged crimes will be scrutinized.
As the legal process moves forward, the community watches, seeking justice for Betty Bowman.
References: Poison Specialist Accused of Murdering Wife by Putting Chemicals in Drink Wanted to Have Her Cremated: Docs | Poison Expert Accused of Killing Wife Allegedly Searched for 'Widower' Before Her Death, Then Changed Bumble Profile
