Linda Marie Bailey Brown, aged 23, was tragically murdered on March 19, 1985, in Garden Grove, California. The circumstances surrounding her death were both shocking and complex. Linda was shot twice in the abdomen while she slept, a crime orchestrated by her husband, David Brown, and carried out by her 14-year-old stepdaughter, Cinnamon Brown. David, a manipulative and sociopathic computer businessman, convinced Cinnamon to commit the murder as part of a plot to collect nearly one million dollars in life insurance money. He manipulated both Cinnamon and Linda's teenage sister, Patti Bailey, into believing that Linda was a threat to their lives and that her death was necessary for their safety.
David's manipulation extended to convincing Cinnamon to take full responsibility for the murder, ensuring that he would avoid jail time. Cinnamon was found by the police in a distressed state, having taken a large quantity of prescription drugs in an apparent suicide attempt. She initially confessed to the murder, leading to her conviction and sentencing to a juvenile detention facility. However, the case took a turn when Cinnamon, disillusioned by her father's subsequent actions, including his marriage to Patti Bailey, revealed the full extent of the plot to the authorities.
The investigation into Linda's murder uncovered David's extensive manipulation and deceit. He had been molesting Patti since she was eleven and had a child with her. His plan to eliminate Linda was driven by greed and a desire to maintain control over his family. David's lavish lifestyle following Linda's death, funded by the insurance payout, further aroused suspicion. The authorities eventually gathered enough evidence to convict David and Patti for their roles in the murder. David received additional prison time for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Patti before she could testify against him.
The case of Linda Marie Bailey Brown's murder is a harrowing example of manipulation and betrayal within a family. It highlights the lengths to which David Brown went to achieve his selfish goals, ultimately leading to his downfall and the imprisonment of those involved in the crime.
