Kansas native Betty Bowman tragically died in a Minnesota hospital after her husband, Dr. Connor Bowman, allegedly poisoned her. The case has left loved ones reeling in shock and disbelief.
Betty and Connor married in May 2021. Betty, a beloved pharmacist, and Connor, a doctor specializing in poison, seemed to have a picture-perfect life. However, behind closed doors, their relationship was crumbling.
According to court documents, the couple had been experiencing marital issues and were discussing divorce prior to Betty’s death. Financial strain plagued their relationship, prompting them to keep separate bank accounts.
On August 16th, Betty was admitted to a Rochester hospital with severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, mimicking symptoms of food poisoning. Despite treatment, her health continued to decline, leading to cardiac issues, fluid in her lungs, and ultimately organ failure. Just four days later, Betty passed away.
Connor maintained that Betty’s death was due to a rare illness known as HLH, even listing it as the cause in her obituary. However, test results for HLH came back inconclusive. Suspiciously, Connor attempted to prevent an autopsy, insisting on immediate cremation. He argued that Betty wouldn’t want to be “a cadaver,” further raising red flags.
Investigators uncovered disturbing details surrounding Betty’s final days. The night before her hospitalization, Betty confided in a friend that she had been drinking with Connor. The following morning, she reported feeling unwell, suspecting a tainted drink.
Adding to the mounting evidence, Connor accessed Betty’s patient account through his hospital credentials, reviewing her medical records, including admission information, notes, medications, and even adding himself to her care team.
A search warrant executed on Connor’s work laptop revealed even more incriminating evidence. Connor, a poison specialist at the University of Kansas, had used the device to research Colchicine, a drug used to treat gout, and sodium nitrate. His search history also included queries about internet browsing privacy, package tracking, and deleting Amazon data.
Disturbingly, investigators discovered that Connor used an online tool to convert Betty’s weight to milligrams and then multiplied that number by 8 milligrams, the lethal dosage of Colchicine. Betty’s toxicology report confirmed the presence of Colchicine in her system upon hospitalization.
On October 20th, Betty’s death was ruled a homicide, and Connor was arrested the same day.
News of Connor’s alleged crime sent shockwaves through those who knew the couple. Friends and family described Betty as a kind, generous, and loving person. Carly Ward, a close friend of Betty’s, shared fond memories of their time together and expressed her devastation over the loss.
Betty’s family released a statement expressing their grief and remembering her as a pillar of strength and love. A GoFundMe page set up in Betty’s honor has raised funds to support her mother.
Connor Bowman remains in custody with a $5 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 1st. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as the case progresses.
