Connor Bowman, a 30-year-old Minnesota poison specialist, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife, Betty Bowman, according to CNN.

The Rochester Police Department reported that Betty Bowman, 32, sought medical attention at the Mayo Clinic in August due to intestinal problems and severe dehydration, but her condition worsened, resulting in her death four days later.

A criminal complaint revealed that computer records indicated Connor Bowman's online research into the drug colchicine, including procurement methods.

The medical examiner's office confirmed that the cause of death was "the toxic effects of colchicine," a medication primarily used to treat gout.

Significantly, Betty Bowman, a pharmacist, had never been prescribed colchicine and was not diagnosed with gout.

The University of Kansas, where Connor Bowman had been employed as a remote poison specialist, asserted that there was no legitimate reason for his research into colchicine as part of his work.

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Minnesota Pharmacist Got Sick Morning After Drinking With Husband

Betty Bowman had become ill the morning after drinking with her husband, suggesting that a drink may have been mixed into a smoothie, AP reports.

Betty Bowman's health deteriorated rapidly after being admitted to a Rochester hospital on August 16. She presented with severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration.

Initially, her symptoms were treated as though they were caused by food poisoning, but her condition continued to worsen.

Her deteriorating health was marked by cardiac issues, fluid accumulation in her lungs, and organ failure.

The Minnesota Department of Health found colchicine in Betty Bowman's blood and urine samples, and the medical examiner attributed her death to the toxic effects of the drug.

The Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiner's Office notified the police about the "suspicious death" of Betty Bowman on August 21, just one day after she passed away.

Minnesota Poison Specialist Tried to Stop Wife's Autopsy

Authorities also uncovered that he had attempted to halt his wife's autopsy, arguing for immediate cremation and claiming she had a rare illness. However, hospital tests did not confirm this, per CBS News.

The medical examiner's office intervened, citing suspicious circumstances. An autopsy later revealed that Betty Bowman died from the toxic effects of colchicine.

Notably, six days before her hospitalization, Connor Bowman had converted her weight to kilograms and multiplied it by 0.8, a dosage rate considered lethal for colchicine, according to the complaint.

One of Betty Bowman's friends told investigators that her marriage was in crisis due to infidelity and other issues, with divorce imminent.

The friend also indicated that the couple maintained separate bank accounts due to Connor's debts and revealed that he anticipated collecting $500,000 in life insurance. A receipt for a $450,000 bank deposit was discovered at his residence.

Connor Bowman was charged with second-degree murder and remains in custody.

The Mayo Clinic, where Connor and Betty worked as pharmacists, issued a statement indicating that he had been a resident at the hospital.

Connor Bowman, the Minnesota poison specialist accused of poisoning his estranged wife, Betty Bowman, is incarcerated in the Olmsted County jail, KTTC noted.

His bond is $5 million, and his next court appearance is scheduled for November 1.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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