Former Teacher Half of Duo That Robbed Casino Winner in New Mexico

Article by : Erik Gibbs Aug 31, 2023

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What initially appeared as a fortunate turn of events for a casino player took an unexpected turn of robbery and attacks. After winning $3,500 in cash at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, the victim checked into an El Paso hotel. A masked assailant armed with a pistol attacked her, inflicting injuries and forcibly seizing her casino earnings.

Following an extensive investigation, El Paso law enforcement authorities have apprehended two suspects linked to this violent armed robbery. The event took place outside a West Side hotel four months ago.

The two suspects have already been identified. John Anthony Brinsfield and Jamie Marie Cowger are both residents of Las Cruces. The 49-year-old and the 46-year-old, respectively, now face charges of aggravated robbery.

The two suspects are currently in custody in El Paso as legal proceedings progress. Two separate teleconference bond hearings were conducted for John Anthony Brinsfield on July 30 and for Jamie Marie Cowger on August 2. During the hearings, two assistant district attorneys from El Paso provided details about the case.

According to prosecutors, Brinsfield and Cowger allegedly singled out a woman who had won $3,500 from gambling on April 30. The victim officially won her money at the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, situated just across the state border in Sunland Park, New Mexico.

The prosecutors added that the woman disclosed to El Paso police investigators that she continued to stay at the casino after winning the money. The woman remained at the casino site for another hour before returning to her hotel on South Desert Boulevard.

Upon arriving at the hotel and parking her vehicle, the woman noticed a car circling the parking lot. Initially, she assumed that the suspects were searching for parking spaces. However, her unease grew as she observed a man with his face concealed by a black bandanna mask.

The suspect approached the victim, pointed a gun at her, and demanded her purse. Assistant District Attorney Tara Rutledge, referencing police reports, recounted the woman’s response to the gunman.

The assailant, still demanding the purse, menacingly directed his handgun towards the left side of the woman’s head. She persisted in her refusal, insisting on retrieving her phone, as detailed by prosecutors.

In response, the robber forcefully pushed the woman to the ground. The robber positioned the gun menacingly in her face and struck her on the left side with the weapon. At this point, the woman relinquished her purse, which the assailant swiftly seized before making his escape with his accomplice.