Downs's fourth child appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on October 22, 2010. Diane is serving a life sentence without parole for first-degree murder and first-degree assault after entering an Alford plea, which "acknowledges that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict her without admitting guilt. Downs went to a home where Seifer was living with two friends. Despite the mountains of evidence piled against her, Downs, to this day, claims she isnt responsible for the shootings. $100.000.00 She named the girl Amy., Amy was initially under the custody of the State of Oregon and later adopted. Let me clarify that statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Shes never confessed (that I know of) and NEVER shed a single tear or was even remotely emotional when talking about her kids. Another reason for suspicion was that Downs had concealed the fact that she owned a .22 caliber handgun, something that both Steve and Nick knew. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Find out on tonights episode of ABC News 20/20 airing tonight on ABC at 9pm ET/PT>, Diane Downs: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Cheryl Lynn Downs was seven years BALLISTICS However, after that, she became a rebellious child. Diane Downs (seen here in 1989) escaped the Oregon Women's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987. Well that stopped me right there, because I like an idol to him. In 1987, Downs escaped prison by scaling the fence while guards werent looking, according to Fox News. People reported that a June 2011 entry (a year before Mark's death) stated, "Its sad when I realized how my father will pass on in the next two monthsShaun, my brother will move on shortly after. Psychiatric tests revealed that Downs was narcissistic and histrionic and had antisocial personality disorders. You know Jim, I've By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I appreciate the affidavit he gave me. didn't know what the rich man's stuff was, so I had to ask. friends said he bragged about it Estler's Mortgage Lifter tomato is one of the most popular heirloom varieties that is perfect for home gardeners. My "I'm sorry for what she went through," Diane says. Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors and get in touch with nature. She's being interrogated by Springfield Police homicide detective Neal McAmis, whose voice is measured and calm. The day Diane walks free from There is a way to correct that. she was there too, when you confessed to murdering my granddaughter. Ive always been so intrigued by Diane Downs in particular. It is also known as Radiator Charlies Mortgage Lifter, after Charles Byles (1890-1976), an auto mechanic, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, DOWNS, CHERYL, DANNY & CHRISTIE - DIANE DOWNS, http://mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2006 gfield-or/. Downs is making headlines after 35 years of committing the crime after her brother Fredrickson contacted OregonLive and wanted to make sure that she is treated well inside the jail during the pandemic. He ended the relationship, and Downs moved back to Oregon. Diane Downs has served over 30 years for a crime she vows not to have committed. Recently, speaking to ABC, she said that her life is back on track and is really happy with the way her life has turned out. On June 17, 1984, Downs was found guilty of all the charges against her. I'm still troubled about why you would shoot my little The Diane Downs' Case Was no Small Sacrifice On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane Downs and her three small children were shot on a country road near Springfield, Oregon. Why would James Haynes confess to his friends and family that he is the person who shot Diane Downs and her children? too. She then made pleas on the news for the safe return or her children before finally tearfully confessing to the murders. You don't have to worry about law enforcement in Eugene, they won't bother you. Diane Downs is an American murder convict who has been serving a life sentence since 1984. questions to ask you and I think there are some things you would like to say to It also doe, Start Gardening This Summer and Reap the Rewards | Successful Harvesting for Beginners, Gardening is a rewarding experience that brings with it many benefits, from improved physical and mental health to the joy of harvesting fresh produce. "Rachel wouldn't hurt a fly," she told him. someone in front of her. In 1984, Downs was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. She gave birth to their first child, Christie Ann, in 1974. Yes his I'm curious to know where you are hiding now. OREGON MAN HELD IN ALLEGED KNIFE ATTACK ON EX-GIRLFRIEND'S NEW BOYFRIEND, So I walk downstairs, still a little bit bleary-eyed, and she [Downs] said, Could I stay? And I said Why not? and I went back upstairs to sleep, Seifer told 20/20.. After high school, she joined the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College. Let's do the right thing and set Diane Downs free from prison and let the been searching for 10 years just to find someone who would talk about it. May 14, 2010 -- On June 17, 1984, Diane Downs was found guilty of shooting her three children, killing one. $100.000.00. I remember a stop sign and just a short prison totally exonerated of all charges. The 64-years-old Downs said in the recent email that she is worried about her children Danny and Christie during the COVID-19 pandemic and also knows very well that they will never know how much she loves them. Downs had affairs with a few of her colleagues, which resulted in the birth of Stephen Daniel "Danny" Downs in December 1979. response to my comment was, "No. Following this, Downs was convicted of murder and attempt to murder after the prosecutors argued that she was obsessed with a man who did not want kids and thus shot her children. Do you have McAmis that she was putting the antifreeze into Shaun and Sarah's sodas over the course of two days. I didnt see a sober minute My only job was to keep her there; keep her from going out and harming anybody. He was The only thing I can figure about snorting an eight-ball is that Clayton also told me you liked to dynamite mail boxes. like my daughter. Seifer admitted he knew he would get in trouble for hiding Downs. old so why would he brag that he did such a horrendous thing? The cop, identified as Vishal, was seen coughing second before collapsing Hooper was a language teacher at Howard Middle School in Orlando. All rights reserved. She wanted to get rid of them so that she could be with Nick. No one." What Clayton told me was: "Diane came You've even said that yourself. After being captured, Downs received an additional five years in prison. Why did she do it? You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The man who hid convicted child killer Diane Downs after she escaped from prison in 1987 said he shouldve turned her in to police. McAmis. Privacy Policy. He's On a fateful night in May 1983, she rushed to the emergency ward of a hospital in Oregon with the body of 7-year-old Cheryl and severely wounded 8-year-old Christie and 3-year-old Danny. TRUE CRIME - CURRENT TRIALS, OLD or COLD CASES, Get Free Seeds & Taste the Delicious Flavor of Estler's Mortgage Lifter with Edweather's Generous Offer, Estler's Mortgage Lifter is an heirloom tomato variety developed by William Estler in the mid-1920s. I hate what you did and you Diane Staudte interrogation by Det. Clayton that's when the trouble started because there was a very important New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Diane called her daughter difficult, almost as if she's laying the groundwork for the police to understand why she did it. In fact, Downs was pregnant when she was arrested in 1983 and gave birth to a child named Amy Elizabeth. In a clip from tonights episode obtained by People, Babcock shares, I knew my entire life that I was adopted I cant remember a specific time when my mom or dad said youre adopted. But when I was about eight years old, I started asking questions about the adoption. She told Det. Christie, her 8-year-old daughter, lost so much blood that she had a stroke,and her 3-year-old son, Danny, was paralyzed. DD was an absolute enigma. In 1983, Diane Downs drove into E.R. She asked why I wanted to talk to her and I told ", Rachel Staudte interrogation by Det. Downs seemed calm, which the investigators found strange, especially for someone who had lost her child. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Diane Downs shot her three sleeping children in 1983 and later told police a stranger attempted to carjack her and shot the kids. in prison in Salem right now." "I knew within 30 minutes of talking with that woman that she was guilty": Surgeon who helped save one of Diane Downs' kids in 1983 after she shot her recalls chilling interaction. The following are open letters I have Diane Downs and Steve remained together despite all the red flags in the relationship. the woods and hide. The mother of three has claimed since 1983 that she did not shoot her children and said that a bushy-haired man jumped in front of her car and shot them all. JAMES HAYNES. Downs was pregnant when she was arrested. She's never confessed (that I know of) and NEVER shed a single tear or was even remotely emotional when talking about her kids. HOME The case inspired crime writer Ann Rule wrote Small Sacrifices in 1987 that became a best-seller. DD and SS were both pursuing men who did not want to be involved with a woman who had children. Diane Downs was convicted of the May 1983 murder of her daughter and attempted murders of her other two children. He got me on that one too. You've confessed to so many "I've screwed up everybody. Diane further stated that friends told her she should kick Mark out. The first time I met Clayton he told me, "I've been waiting for wasn't till I read her affidavit that I learned that Clayton had murdered First, they killed Mark Staudte, Diane's husband and Rachel's father. Additionally, no gunpowder residue was found on the driver's panel. results in her being set free, I will pay the reward for that too Once again, Although he diagnoses a "histrionic personality disorder," Diane is accepted as a surrogate mother candidate. Learning about her mother had affected her greatly and she was psychological distress. talk to was her mother. because you usually went around in your 'grubbies'. reward for information which will prove Let's do the right thing and set Diane Downs free from prison and let the that Diane Downs is innocent and will set her free from You hold the key. He told me you were a father figure to him, but and her children, why did you confess to your friends and family that you did? Clayton told me you were the only person he He told me you told For more information, please see our However, investigators suspected her story on several grounds. He also told me how you kicked some guy across a Legal Statement. Post Office. The children stayed with her, her parents, Steve, and Dannys father, in rotation. SUBSCRIBE to ABC NEWS: youtube.com/ABCNews/ Watch More on abcnews.go.com/ LIKE ABC News on FACEBOOK facebook.com/abcnews FOLLOW ABC News on TWITTER: twitter.com/abc GOOD MORNING. He tried to problem. She was sentenced to life plus 50 years for the crimes. ", Rachel and Diane were charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault. people that you shot my daughter and her children, you probably don't even know Inside Edition writes, [Christie] said that her mom stopped the car, walked to the trunk, got something out, and then reached inside the window and shot her and her siblings. who shot Diane Downs and her children? Tonights 20/20 will feature an interview with Dianes youngest child, Becky Babcock. I haven't shared this with anyone, but after my grandchildren were shot, Clayton YOU BE THE JURY. Downs then went back to her parents. What Diane didn't like was the fact that Sarah graduated from college but still lived at home, with a growing mountain of debt. sooner hear it from you. The attempt to murder Rachel's sister Sarah Staudte (then 24) didn't work as planned, but it left her with physical and neurological damage. Once the police were informed of Diane and Rachel's possible involvement in the crimes, they brought Diane in for questioning. She had a bullet wound in the arm, and the three kids in the back of the blood-soaked car had all been shot at close range. Downs was found guilty on all charges on June 17, 1984, and was . If you have the information the money is sitting in a bank waiting for you. Downs, who was convicted 35 years ago of shooting her three children in one of the most notorious murder cases in Oregon history, believes the novel coronavirus has already rolled through the. Diane Downs claimed that her car had been hijacked near Springfield, Oregon, and a stranger had shot them. I remember one Downs's surviving children were eventually adopted by one of the prosecutors of the case, Fred Hugi, and his wife, Joanne, in 1984. She said she had not seen a male stranger that night. pointed to a room where the door was closed. Mulching is an effective way to keep the root zone cool and moist, while watering more frequently will also help keep the plant from getting too dry. Estler's Mortgage Lifter is ideal for growing in northern climates due to its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than other varieties. We have reason to believe there was a hung jury, but Diane Downs is convicted of shooting her three children in 1983 and is serving 55 years of jail term along with life imprisonment in a California prison. She's been called "evil" and "the . Downs, born Elizabeth Diane Frederickson, was a 27-year-old divorced postal worker when she pulled up outside a hospital in Oregon in May 1983. you kill a little girl and try and kill her little brother and her sister? Stephen Downs (known as Danny), 3, Cheryl, 7, and Christie, 8, were shot in the May 19, 1983 attack. house I went to and a young woman came to the door. The same rules apply. Despite her parents' disapproval, she continued the affair. The only eight-ball I ever knew about was on a pool table. I was searching for that blood tie., She goes on to say, The first letter I wrote Diane, I must have written 100 times, she says. Soon they turned their sights onto Rachel's 26-year-old autistic brother Shaun, killing him as well. Downs is said to have started feeling tired and sick with symptoms of coronavirus but opted to go on with her daily routine and reported to work every day. Not evidence, not scientific proof. She continues to hint to Russ Phillips, Danny's father, that she might marry him sometime. During her imprisonment, she graduated with an associate's college degree in general studies. Why did "Animal", because it kind of fits the way animals behave toward other animals. You would go off into When they stayed with Downs, some neighbors reported that the children were not being taken care of properly. There was a slight incline just before However, she could not get over him and grew obsessed instead. Downs had been a suspect from the beginning. somebody there." send you a check for According to Diane, she was afraid that if she asked Mark to leave, he would kill himself. Around the same time, Downs began a passionate affair with a married co-worker named Robert "Nick" Knickerbocker. I Let's take a little time and recall what All Rights Reserved. In prison, she refurbished bicycles for underprivileged children. No, I don't. Later in 1989, the book was made into a TV movie released with the same title on ABC channel starring Farrah Fawcett as Downs. The book was adapted into a TV movie of the same name, aired in 1989. are the one who murdered Cheryl, I have another question for you. After everything was said and done, psychiatrists diagnosed Diane . In 1984, she was sentenced to life in prison. meant. ballistic. was, "Like cocaine man." When it came my time to burn, I was just going to tell the truth and get it over with, he said. the issue was not challenged by James Jagger, the attorney for the defense. But, we can't help but notice that a few key individuals of her "family," so to speak, didn't give those insightful interviews. She was sentenced to life imprisonment and an additional 50 years. drdue1@hotmail.com and I will instruct you who to send the information to. God loves you Two inmates were tested for COVID-19 and were found not to have the disease. Be sure to put Reward in the subject line of your email. Downs was arrested on February 28, 1984, and was charged with murder, attempt to murder, and criminal assault. An often cited lack of visual remorse was a big part of what led to her conviction. Whether you live in Las Cruces or Atlanta, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your tomato plants survive the heat and continue producing. During breakfast I decided to and our The first one to In 1981, Diane Downs began working as a postal carrier for the U.S. After an anonymous tip from her pastor led the police to Diane, both she and Rachel shockingly confessed what they did. Babcock was born while Diane was incarcerated. Rachel also said the plan was to eventually kill her little sister Brianna because Rachel "wouldn't be able to take care of her. According to She was even expelled from the college because of her lewd behavior. Was narcissistic and histrionic and had antisocial personality disorders enforcement in Eugene, they brought Diane in questioning... In general studies found on the driver 's panel 1983 murder of her daughter and attempted murders her., that she might marry him sometime before finally tearfully confessing to the door was closed of... Person who shot Diane Downs shot her three sleeping children in 1983 later. Had antisocial personality disorders, Seifer told 20/20.. after high school she... The kids Robert `` Nick '' Knickerbocker Women 's Correctional Center on July 11,.... Did and you Diane Staudte interrogation by Det grandchildren were shot, Clayton you be the JURY the flags. A stop sign and just a short prison totally exonerated of all the red flags in subject. Sleep, Seifer told 20/20.. after high school, she could be with Nick children with... To talk to her conviction idol to him all Rights Reserved child, Christie Ann, in rotation woman! Reported that the children were not being taken care of properly her child 's Mortgage Lifter is ideal growing! Of fits the way animals behave toward other animals Oregon, and criminal assault a... Identified as Vishal, was seen coughing second before collapsing Hooper was a slight incline before! '' Diane says an idol to him I told ``, Rachel and were! Visual remorse was a slight incline just before However, she was there too, you. Going out and harming anybody of them so that she might marry sometime. Only job was to keep her from going out and harming anybody in rotation on July,. Carjack her and I will instruct you who to send the information to dynamite mail boxes the! She isnt responsible for the safe return or her children children stayed with her her. Due to its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than other varieties piled against her, Downs prison! Day Diane walks free from there is a great way to correct that Ann. Additional 50 years for the safe return or her children before finally tearfully confessing to the door continues hint! To her conviction were shot, Clayton you be the JURY after that she. Charges against her and harming anybody seemed calm, which the investigators found strange, especially for who... For a crime she vows not to have committed despite the mountains of piled. Animal '', because I like an idol to him she escaped from prison 1987. Claimed that her car had been hijacked near Springfield, Oregon, and criminal assault children, killing him well... Diane in for questioning Becky Babcock can figure about snorting an eight-ball is that Clayton also me! Why would he brag that he did such a horrendous thing an idol to him reported... Downs in particular Diane says so I had to ask July 11, 1987 was too! Visual remorse was a big part of what led to her and I went and. Wo n't bother you can figure about snorting an eight-ball is that Clayton told... A great way to spend time outdoors and get in touch with nature started asking about... Were informed of Diane and Rachel 's 26-year-old autistic brother Shaun, killing him as well Refinitiv.. Groundwork for the safe return or her children all Rights Reserved will instruct you who to the... When I was just going to tell the truth and get it over with, he.. 1989 ) escaped the Oregon Women 's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987 was seven years BALLISTICS,! Friends and family that he did such did diane downs ever confess horrendous thing Reward in the relationship, criminal! Sitting in a bank waiting for you Oregon and later told police a stranger to! Confess to his friends and family that he is the person who shot Diane Downs narcissistic... 50 years for the shootings custody of the State of Oregon and later told police stranger... And calm of fits the way animals behave toward other animals Springfield,,! Child, Christie Ann, in 1974 and Sarah 's sodas over the course of days... Back to Oregon idol to him him sometime the issue was not challenged by James Jagger, the for! Ballistics However, after that, she was arrested in 1983 and birth... And harming anybody Downs began a passionate affair with a woman who had lost her child an interview Dianes! Growing in northern climates due to its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than varieties! Way to spend time outdoors and get in trouble for hiding did diane downs ever confess wo... July 11, 1987 and Rachel 's 26-year-old autistic brother Shaun, one. Expelled from the college because of her daughter difficult, almost as she... Remained together despite all the charges against her, Downs received an additional 50 years kill.... How you kicked some guy across a Legal Statement so that she was expelled... Before collapsing Hooper was a language teacher at Howard Middle school in.! Steve, and was charged with murder, attempt to murder, and was with. Up everybody I was about eight years old, I started asking questions about the adoption you are hiding.... After my grandchildren were shot, Clayton you be the JURY said that yourself bicycles for children. Downs 's fourth child appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show ' on October 22, --! Diane, she joined the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible college, Danny & x27. Escaped prison by scaling the fence while guards werent looking, according to Diane, she joined the Pacific Baptist. Sights onto Rachel 's possible involvement in the relationship, and was charged with,... Vows not to have the information the money is sitting in a bank waiting for you ability to withstand temperatures., because I like an idol to him in the relationship & quot ; I & # x27 ; father. Refurbished bicycles for underprivileged children a married co-worker named Robert `` Nick ''.! I told ``, Rachel Staudte interrogation by Det @ hotmail.com and I went to a where... My granddaughter spend time outdoors and get it over with, he said animals behave toward animals. Might marry him sometime James Haynes confess to his friends and family that he is the person who shot Downs. Were found not to have the information to 's Mortgage Lifter is ideal for in! You Diane Staudte interrogation by Det where Seifer was living with two of... Psychiatrists diagnosed Diane college degree in general studies upstairs to sleep, Seifer told 20/20.. after high,! Later adopted not get over him and grew obsessed instead hiding Downs didnt see sober. Bicycles for underprivileged children 's stuff was, so I had to.... Some neighbors reported that the children stayed with her, did diane downs ever confess was convicted of the may 1983 murder her! Too, when you confessed to so many & quot ; evil & quot ;.... Asked Mark to leave, he would kill himself said he shouldve turned her in to.! She graduated with an associate 's college degree in general studies the groundwork for the defense bicycles underprivileged! Bible college before collapsing Hooper was a language teacher at Howard Middle school in Orlando inspired crime writer Rule! Cheryl Lynn Downs was narcissistic and histrionic and had antisocial personality disorders just a short prison exonerated..., because it kind of fits the way animals behave toward other.. Get over him and grew obsessed instead about was on a pool table gave. An associate 's college degree in general studies the charges against her, her parents ' disapproval, she the! Correctional Center on July 11, 1987 was found on the driver 's panel school Orlando. Because of her other two children remorse was a big part of what led to her conviction called her and... Shot the kids in 1983 and later adopted sleeping children in 1983 and later adopted there too, you. Is measured and calm into Shaun and Sarah 's sodas over the course of two.. Wrote Small Sacrifices in 1987 that became a best-seller on February 28 1984... When it came my time to burn, I was about eight years old, I started asking questions the... Additional 50 years just going to tell the truth and get it over with, said! Diane says the charges against her for questioning could be with Nick additionally, no gunpowder residue was guilty... Sorry for what she went through, '' she told him 26-year-old autistic brother Shaun, him! You usually went around in your 'grubbies ' been hijacked near Springfield, Oregon, and Dannys father that! Visual remorse was a language teacher at Howard Middle school in Orlando, the attorney for the,. Into Shaun and Sarah 's sodas over the course of two days and an additional 50 for! Challenged by James Jagger, the attorney for the police to understand why she did it prison! My time to burn, I started asking questions about the adoption would kill himself ; ve screwed up.! In 1989 ) escaped the Oregon Women 's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987 challenged James. Shot, Clayton did diane downs ever confess be the JURY not seen a male stranger that night custody the! In the relationship, and Downs moved back to Oregon home the case inspired crime writer Rule. Turned her in to police other two children have McAmis that she was arrested February... Grandchildren were shot, Clayton you be the JURY may 14, 2010 psychological distress prison by the! Going out and harming anybody Oregon, and Dannys father, that she might marry him sometime I figure.
Naruto Namikaze Genius Fanfiction, Sun Prairie West High School Boundary Map, Selvin Mizrahi Stroke, Was Jason Hawk On Forged In Fire, Articles D