Minnesota doctor and poison specialist accused of fatally poisoning his wife

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Police have reported that a Minnesota doctor, who also had expertise in poison, is being charged with the murder of his wife by poisoning her.

 

30-year-old Connor Bowman, from Rochester, was taken into custody on Friday, October 20, and accused of second-degree murder in the death of his 32-year-old wife, Betty Bowman.

 

According to Rochester Police Department, Betty Bowman was admitted to the Mayo Clinic’s emergency room in August due to intestinal issues and severe dehydration. Her condition deteriorated, leading to her demise four days later.

 

A statement by the medical examiner’s office revealed that his wife’s death was caused by “the toxic effects of colchicine,” as stated in the criminal complaint.

 

 

Computer records indicated that Connor Bowman had researched the drug colchicine online, including methods of purchasing it.

 

Colchicine is primarily used to treat gout. However, medical records showed that Betty Bowman was never prescribed colchicine nor diagnosed with gout, according to the complaint.

 

The University of Kansas, where Connor Bowman worked remotely as a poison specialist, informed the police that he had no legitimate reason to be researching colchicine for his work, as stated in the complaint.

 

On Monday, October 23, Connor Bowman appeared in court but did not enter a plea.

 

The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office disclosed that he has been granted a bail of $5 million for unconditional release, or $2 million with conditions.

 

Records from the jail showed that he had not posted bail as of Wednesday afternoon, October 25.

 

Betty Bowman was an employee at the Mayo Clinic where she worked as a pharmacist, according to a family statement provided to CNN affiliate KTTC.

 

Conversely, Connor Bowman had previously worked as a resident at the Mayo Clinic, stated spokesperson Amanda Dyslin.

 

“The resident’s training at Mayo Clinic ended earlier this month,” she added.

 

Investigators reported that a friend of Betty Bowman informed the police that before she was hospitalized, she mentioned that her illness began after consuming a drink “mixed in a large smoothie.”

 

The criminal complaint emphasized that the Bowmans “were having marital issues and were talking about a divorce,” and that Connor Bowman informed an acquaintance who spoke to the police that he was going to receive $500,000 in life insurance money.

 

According to the complaint, the medical examiner’s office revealed that Connor Bowman made an effort to cancel his wife’s autopsy and wanted to cremate her remains until they intervened due to the suspicious circumstances.

 

Connor Bowman’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 1.


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