Mayo Clinic doc Connor Bowman indicted with first-degree murder for allegedly poisoning wife’s drink

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES: The Mayo Clinic doctor stands accused of causing his wife's demise by spiking her smoothie with gout medicine at their home on August 16, 2023.

Betty Jo Bowman was promptly taken to the hospital, and unfortunately, her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to her passing four days later on August 20, 2023.

In the aftermath of Betty's death, her husband, Dr. Connor Bowman, initially faced charges of second-degree murder. However, in the recent court hearing on January 4, an upgraded charge of first-degree murder was added.

As the investigation unfolded, additional details emerged regarding Connor's statements concerning his wife's illness. Simultaneously, medical professionals shared insights into Betty's health conditions as per Law&Crime.

What did the investigators say about Betty Bowman’s death?

As per investigators, Betty was deemed healthy before her hospital admission, but her health rapidly deteriorated, manifesting cardiac issues, fluid in her lungs, and organ failure following admission. 

Notably, her husband suggested she suffered from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare illness causing certain blood cells to accumulate and damage organs. However, investigators found no prior symptoms of HLH.

A day after her death, the Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiner’s Office reported a suspicious death to the Rochester Police Department. 

The office, noting unusual circumstances, prevented cremation. Despite this, Connor insisted to the medical examiner's office that his wife be cremated immediately, asserting her death was natural, according to authorities.

As per the Medical Examiner's report, a woman familiar with the Bowmans informed them about the couple's marital troubles, including discussions about divorce due to infidelity and a deteriorating relationship. 

In contrast, Connor reached out to death investigators at the medical examiner's office via email.

He inquired about the completeness of the ongoing toxicology reports, specifically questioning if they were more comprehensive than standard hospital procedures. Additionally, he requested a list detailing the substances to be tested.

Couple’s friends reported against Connor Bowman

Furthermore, there are reports indicating financial strain between Betty and her husband Connor, as Connor faced debts, leading them to opt for separate bank accounts. 

Adding to the suspicion, Connor informed a friend about an expected $500,000 life insurance payout resulting from his wife's death. 

Investigators discovered a check from an insurance company for nearly $500,000 in the Bowman residence.

The Rochester Police Department's search warrant uncovered a suspicious demeanor from Connor. 

Friends of the couple revealed a marriage in turmoil due to financial difficulties and infidelity. Although the Bowmans had an 'open relationship', agreeing not to form emotional bonds with other partners, Connor developed strong feelings for his new girlfriend, as disclosed by friends to detectives.

Allegedly, Betty confronted her husband about the affair, suggesting divorce proceedings. Friends shared incidents, such as a strange tasting smoothie prepared by Connor and the presence of the girlfriend in the home shortly after Betty's death, with photographs of Betty removed.

Friends noted Connor's atypical behavior post his wife's death, describing him as 'stoic and calm', even appearing indifferent or content when going out for drinks just two days later. These friends, many of whom are medical professionals, questioned the rapid deterioration of Betty's health with little explanation.

In response to suspicious comments about Connor, investigators assert that he used his Mayo Clinic email to purchase colchicine, a drug believed to have been used to poison his wife. 

Connor attempted to shift blame by claiming Betty fraudulently purchased the drug under his name. Connor Bowman is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges on January 16.