Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Texas Widow He Met Through a Dating App

A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the brutal murder and sexual assault of a 61-year-old widow in Orange County, Texas. The victim, Bami Carmane, was found unresponsive at her home on August 21, 2025, with severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.

Investigations revealed that Adrian Echevarria, who had been incarcerated for violent offenses, met Carmane through an online dating app while he was still in prison. Despite his criminal history, Carmane offered him a place to stay upon his release from jail the day before the incident occurred. This decision tragically led to her untimely death.

According to Orange County District Attorney Krispen Walker Winfree, Echevarria and Carmane had been communicating through contraband cellphones during his incarceration. The two were introduced on a dating app specifically designed for inmates and their potential romantic connections outside of prison walls.

Carmane's son, Brian Haney, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his mother, who was known for her compassionate nature and willingness to help others. He emphasized that Carmane had been widowed for two years before meeting Echevarria online. Her family believes she saw the best in people despite being aware of his criminal background.

Echevarria faced charges of murder and aggravated sexual assault after he was arrested following Carmane’s death. The Orange County District Attorney's office indicted him on these charges in November 2025, with a trial concluding on September 24, 2026. After deliberating for only about 15 minutes, the jury found Echevarria guilty of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

While Carmane’s family mourns her loss, they also advocate for stricter parole regulations and better monitoring systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Her son stated that he would prefer seeing harsher penalties like the death penalty for violent offenders who commit crimes shortly after release.

Carmane was a U.S. Army veteran and had worked as a nurse for 34 years, known for her love of nature, travel, music, and photography. She will be remembered for her resilience and ability to uplift those around her despite facing adversity throughout her life.

This case highlights the risks associated with online interactions between incarcerated individuals and potential victims outside prison walls. It underscores the need for more stringent oversight and support systems to protect vulnerable populations from predatory behavior by convicted offenders seeking parole or release.