'Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?' 'One of the two cases is a story about Bryant Parker's attempted murder of his wife, Joyce Sowa, in her Virginia country house in December 2001. Joyce still suffers from nightmares and is trying her best to move on.
Joyce Sowa and Bryant Parker, who are they?
Joyce Sowa was the perfect example of an independent and determined woman as she climbed the national ladder in Washington, DC. She spent a number of years in charge of the secret service and the Treasury department, including as the former chief of staff for several political figures, including Booze Allen.
Joyce stated that she had never married since she spent all of her time working on her career. However, she was preparing to retire by the end of the year and was looking forward to enjoying the fruits of her labor. While walking through her neighborhood in August 2002, she saw a 'For Sale' sign.
Joyce was immediately attracted to his "cute" voice after meeting the real estate agent in person. Joyce recounted her love of horses and her desire to buy a property there. The pair began to communicate via the phone and texts regularly.
Joyce's friend Nancy Karpowicz said, "She was really interested in him. He had an outgoing personality, was a salesman, and they seemed to be getting along quite well." According to the episode, Bryant was recently separated from her wife of 16 years, with whom he had a 12-year-old son. She lived in Pennsylvania, and he was reluctant to split up because of the child.
Bryant proposed to his former wife during the 2002 Christmas, and he went to his ex-wife's house again on Valentine's Day. Joyce became suspicious and confronted him, but she saved the marriage by proposing to marry her. On April 11, 2003, Joyce was fired from his job at a political organization.
Joyce said she desired a separation from Bryant on December 1, 2009. He drank excessively and changed jobs over the years. He apologized later on, but the drinking continued.
What Has Happened to Joyce Sowa?
Joyce advised him to get out of bed, quit drinking, and find a decent job. Take care of yourself and do what you need to do.' According to the program, Bryant lost his handle as he continued to harass and plead with her.
Joyce's worst nightmare came true when she discovered Bryant standing over her with a 6-inch kitchen knife on December 2, 2001. "He just thrust the knife out of my chest. The blood sprang out, and the knife went out." She continued, "He just thrust the knife into my chest."
Joyce was taken to the trauma unit at the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Annandale, Virginia, where she suffered pulmonary embolism but missed the heart. "I had the fear that he would be following me forever," she said, "I have nightmares almost every night." "Women give and give and give. They need to recognize the signs of abuse and take care of themselves."
Joyce hoped to start a thrift store to help domestically abused women. She also aspired to publish a book for other victims who should learn how to deal with them before they encounter them.
What Has Happened to Bryant Parker?
Joyce choking on her blood, Byrant picked up the receiver and confessed to the operator about "murdering" his wife. He even used a cloth to stop the wounds from bleeding too much, saving Joyce's life. According to police reports, Bryant did not flee after committing the horrifying crime but stayed at the scene until medical personnel arrived.
According to court filings, the 77-year-old will be released in November 2025.
