A Minnesota doctor has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of his wife, following an investigation that revealed evidence of poisoning. Dr. Connor Bowman, a 30-year-old physician at the Mayo Clinic, was initially arrested in October for allegedly killing his wife, Betty Bowman, who worked as a pharmacist at the hospital. The couple had reportedly been in an open relationship that had soured, leading to talks of divorce.
Last week, a grand jury upgraded the charges against Connor Bowman from second-degree to first-degree premeditated murder with intent. According to a press release from the Olmsted County Attorney’s office, the indictment authorizes a penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case gained attention after Betty Bowman’s sudden illness and death in August 2023, which prompted an investigation into her cause of death.
Law enforcement discovered that Betty Bowman had died from poisoning, which led to the arrest of her husband. Suspicion was raised when Connor Bowman requested an immediate cremation for his wife, and a concerned friend alerted the examiner’s office about the couple’s deteriorating relationship and discussions of divorce. Friends also revealed that the couple had been experimenting with an open relationship but that Betty had become unhappy when her husband developed an emotional connection to another woman.
Further investigation revealed that Betty Bowman had been in significant debt, and the couple kept separate bank accounts. Connor had mentioned to a friend that he stood to receive a $500,000 insurance payout in the event of his wife’s death. Police found a $450,000 bank deposit note during a search of the Bowmans’ home, which raised suspicions about financial motives.
Medical professionals determined that Betty had high levels of the gout medication colchicine in her bloodstream at the time of her death, despite not having any symptoms of the condition. Her cause of death was ruled as the toxic effects of colchicine, and her manner of death was deemed a murder. Investigators discovered that Connor had used his medical credentials to access his wife’s electronic health information during her hospital stay and after her death.
Other evidence against Connor Bowman includes his internet search history, which contained queries related to deleting browsing history and the lethality of certain substances. Investigators believe he had calculated the lethal dose of colchicine based on his wife’s weight and purchased the drug online before her illness.
Betty Bowman’s death shocked those who knew her. She was described as a diligent and capable hospital pharmacist who had recently graduated with a pharmaceutical doctorate from the University of Kansas. Connor Bowman’s next court date is scheduled for January 16, and his bail is set at $2 million.
In conclusion, the indictment of Dr. Connor Bowman for first-degree premeditated murder sheds light on a tragic case of alleged poisoning, highlighting the deterioration of a marriage and potential financial motives. The evidence against Bowman, including his wife’s toxicology report and his suspicious internet search history, paints a disturbing picture. As the legal proceedings continue, justice will be sought for Betty Bowman’s untimely death.
