Shivangi Sinha
When Laura Cowan was rescued from Mansa Musa Muhummed’s house, she was not alone — many other women and children were also there. Among them was Marva Barfield, Musa’s first wife and the mother of 14 of his children. It was later revealed that Marva, like Laura and her children, had endured the same kind of abuse, making her equally a victim. In Lifetime’s ‘Girl in the Garage: The Laura Cowan Story,’ the character inspired by her plays a significant role in shedding light on the extent of Musa’s crimes and helps to provide a clearer understanding of the atrocities he committed throughout his life.
Marva Barfield Remained in an Abusive Marriage With Musa For Nearly Three Decades
A Norfolk, Virginia native, Marva Lewis Barfield married Mansa Musa Muhummed at the age of 18 when he was still using his birth name, Richard Boddie, and living in the same town. Initially, their relationship seemed typical, and by 1985, the couple had 12 children. Marva dedicated most of her time to caring for their children as a stay-at-home mother. However, reports allege that while they were still in Virginia, Musa began subjecting her and their children to domestic abuse.
In 1985, Marva moved with Musa to Bakersfield, California, where they had two more children. For a time, the family lived in a motel in Riverside, California, but by then, the abuse Marva endured had worsened significantly. According to reports, Musa began withholding food as a form of punishment, and severe physical abuse became a daily occurrence. She later revealed that throughout their relationship, he frequently threatened to kill her. In 1995, when Musa brought Laura Cowan and her two children into their home, Marva did not question his actions.
Instead, when Laura later had a daughter with Musa, and he took the child away, it was Marva who was made to care for the infant. On April 6, 1999, when police raided their home in Aguanga, California, Marva was among the women rescued. All her children were found severely underfed, malnourished, and showing signs of physical abuse. In May 1999, when the children provided detailed accounts of their experiences, they also accused Marva of hitting them. Confronted with these allegations, she admitted that Musa often forced her to strike the children with a boat oar. She explained that she only complied out of fear for her life, as refusing could have put her in grave danger.
Marva Barfield is Surrounded by the Love and Care of Her Children Today
Following the 1999 raid on the house, all of Marva Barfield’s minor children were placed in foster care. She herself faced multiple charges related to child abuse and endangerment. She was arrested and spent 17 months in custody within the California Department of Corrections. Ultimately, she accepted a plea deal and pled guilty to one count of child endangerment. As part of the agreement, she also committed to testifying in the case that law enforcement was building against Musa. During his trial in April 2008, she was one of the key witnesses who detailed the extent of abuse that went on within the walls of the house. Alongside other evidence, it was her testimony that strengthened the case and ultimately got him imprisoned for life.
Marva has remained in California and has settled into a quieter, more peaceful life. Many of her children live nearby, and she appears to have maintained good relationships with most of them. While she hasn’t shared much about her personal life, it’s clear that she has embraced a slower pace and values her tranquility. The courage she has displayed is evident in her demeanor, as she now lives life on her own terms. Several of her children have retained their family name, a testament to the strong bonds she has nurtured with them. She has kept her social circle small, prioritizing meaningful connections as she moves forward.
Read More: Laura Cowan: Where is the Kidnapping Survivor Now?
