I am glad that some articles remain. There is so much to say about this blog I wouldnt know where to start. It is a research done on the case according to many sources. Now in hindsight, seeing footage on youtube, especially the interview she did with the reporter Anne Jagger, the things she says and facial expression is exactly described in the bookhad to find the section in the book, but on that note, Anne rule did site that interview correctly. How ironic. She attacked her husband and ripped his neck open in a jealous rage (Appendix 81, page 1520), tearing from his neck the gold chain he still wore from his first marriage (a gift from his first wife). Hysteria. Thanks for posting for readers. In fact, I am surprised that people are not flabbergasted by the way this case was handled and tried and that what bothers them most is that I try to discuss it in a blog and dare defending this woman. This case certainly had its share of circumstantial evidence. Whats more intriguing is that even after Diane became the prime suspect and lost custody of her surviving children, or when she was convicted, the kids didnt go live with Steve; they were adopted by the lead prosecutor in Dianes case. Dianes daughter started saying that she did not know who shot them right when she got adopted. However, their marriage wasnt as great as they anticipated as Steve was a player and quite irresponsible and immature at the time. So, were there any other attempted carjackings in the area that night? If, as Proctor said, it was exchanged right away, and the other Ruger was subsequently stolen by Steven, how was it remotely possible for him to have this info? Apparently drug mafia wanted to punish her for messing her nose in forbidden places, not because she was getting any real business in that but simply because she had one of the poorest judgements a person can have. Teams of people and detectives combed the area for months looking for the gun but it was nowhere to be found. Or be mentally ill. Ive been to London to Fly the Queen ~ and Back to Collect Artifacts, Haleigh Cummings Was Once Lost but Now She Is Found, Meet Rene Acoby: In-House Female Dangerous Offender, Kelli Stapleton- A Mothers Wuthering Woes. After Diane was convicted, the two living children were adopted by the prosecutor in the case and his wife, and it was Christie who ultimately pointed to her mother being responsible for the shooting. I do not have to state anything at the beginning of the blog. Her release was recommended by a warden and a psychiatrist. What this is evidence of is one more piece of the overwhelming amount of bias that was involved from the start of the case. Search within r/halo . Page 26 of Case History. Saudi Princesses in Captivity for More Than a Thousand and One Nights Are Tweeting the Blues, Having recently done research on the Liysa Northons case which was the subject of a book written by Ann Rule titled, Some 287 errors and falsehoods were documented by Liysa and verified by official sources. The innocence project gets so many requests and they have limited resources. The court can just do an APR, Assignment of Parental Rights. Despite all these misgivings, they chose to stay strong in the marriage and had their first child, Christie Ann, in 1974. I guess he did not want too many people to know about the improprieties that happened in his courtroom. Dianes parents had high hopes for her future, a future that didnt involve Steve, so they disapproved of their relationship. This was very stressful. I did not shoot my children.. Otherwise you just want people to fill your echo chamber that agree with you, tell anyone else you obviously dont want to debate me.., then ban, then hope for people to agree. They checked her nails to see if she could have buried the gun and they were clean. ..a little over year before the shooting had a surrogate babypregnancy and giving the baby awayumits donnoits the gal already had a fragile mentality.may not have been the best idea. Her mom is still alive and would love to have contact but respect that they wont. ), Interesting suggestion. She knew that Knickerbocker hated trouble of any kind, and thathe would have never come back to her after an ugly shooting where she had been wounded and her kids damaged. As far as her innocence goes and the possibility of being paroled if she admitted her crime, Diane strongly maintains her innocence. I dont. So Diane did what she thought would bring her the deepest satisfaction in life; she became a mother. Christie was understandably all over the place and I agree that the way in which her statements were procured were very odd and seemed to be very coached. You say she made more of a fuss about her arm than about the injuries her children sustained. Are you looking for more information about Ryan Eggold? If the answer is, revenge, then it has been achieved. Maybe that her mom was obviously not well after spending her life in prison so it would have been a good idea to meet the Downss family quietly and get the jest of it. I am also engaged in other wrongful convictions that have taken place within the US. Her other daughter and son were severely injured. After parting ways, the couple would soon meet again in Arizona which would end up in them reigniting and reconnecting their fling. She was the prosecutions only hope. Diane described the stranger that shot them on the road and a police artist came up with a sketch. Diane Downs was convicted because she didn't appear "sorry enough" during her TV appearances. The pilots we did dealt with Japan going over the quotas of hunted whales and a company dumping toxic waste into the ocean But it didn't work out because the stock footage they were using. When your goal is to call me dude, insult my name and trash my blog, you can go on other sites who will love to spar with you while swallowing the old narrative of high profile cases. Something that would never stand in court now. Then, 10 days after Diane was sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years, she gave birth to a daughter she named Amy Elizabeth. The absence of the gun or gun powder residues on Diane is fact. There is a court sketch artists rendering of him in this video. That is the reason effective trial counsel challenges the competency of a nine-year-old child to testify in a court of law. From what Ive read, she gets a parole hearing every decade and the next time in 2030 she will be 75. There is also a critical shortage of Foster Carers internationally, so that the Hugis offered to take the children in could be viewed as altruistic. They now throw people in prison in the US for debts. They are the ones who considered Dianes children as Small Sacrifices. Ur not showing facts that Ann Rule lied n misled n ruined lives with. She could have stayed on the side of the road. But in my opinion, it shows how Diane was disturbed and could also have found a better path in life if given the chance and the right support. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. They had him micromanaged, and with the testimony of little Christie they were in business: argumentative Since he was in possession of a similar gun, he was a suspect as well, but, when the ballistics did not match, Diane Downs quickly became the prime suspect. The authorities wanted to see them mourn and fall apart. Is it too late to respond to this? A slightly humorous observation is that you said, and others have, that James Haynes physically resembled the sketch.. Like in their movies. These are no facts its partial truths and conjecture. Lack of blood spatter is not evidence of innocence Especially when a shooter is leaning in and shooting into a box (car) while standing outside. Dianes father tried to hire Melvin Belli, but the judge refused to give him some time to prepare and come back to the US. This whole tale is just unbelievable. Its too late for me to call myself a murderer (when I am not) just to purchase my freedom. This is a conflict of interest. According to your own experience Lori, dont they try to give grandparents custody or at least access in cases comparable to this one? She also told media she became pregnant without Steve's "permission." 4 Steve has never spoken publicly about his ex-wife, Diane Credit: AP Where is Steve now? But you are right to say that it is my site. Inflammatory and speculative I will talk to Dianes brother. The children should have been receiving therapy throughout. The states own witness, Dr. George Suckow and Dr. Polly Jamison denounced Prosecutor Hugis practice as improper and unethical (Appendix 101 and 104). Diane had spent three days in the hospital ingesting massive doses of Morphine, Demerol, Percodan, and visterol. Then, they accused her of shooting her kids at close range. It would be about November 20th that you would have gone back with Charlene, what, the next day? The price of celebrity for her was losing her freedom and her children for life. Sad situation. The tape is real and probably not admissible, but it seems to indicate that her testimony was coerced. The two older kids were Diane's with ex-husband Steve, however, Danny wasn't Steve's. Her father passed away in October 2017 after having fought relentlessly for her release. Fred Hugi was pretty upset when Ann Rule went Hollywood with his case. John Shea who played Fred in the TV movie Small Sacrifices even looks like him. Blood spatter is not an exact science, and is interpreted differently by experts. I ndicted money launderer and noted coup enthusiast Steve Bannon has refused to sit for a deposition in front of the January 6 Select Committee. I was shocked any asked why she thought that. Probably a 911 button. They said she was going slow but the time at which she arrived seems to indicate otherwise. We dont know. Tracy, I never said she was in the car. I dont disagree, I just think it is another example of flaws in our justice system. You are not the only one who thinks she is guilty and I know that getting their man at all cost is a popular mantra, but I disagree. Nobody ignored Dianes demeanor. It is not a hatefest and I do not wish death or life without parole on anyone. Steve Downs' wife had become ignorant of her children and often left them with her parents or ex-husband. I saw that same face in Diane Downs. So not addressing the content of the blog and rambling about everything else while asking for a disclaimer is nailing it? She was the star witness in her mom's prosecution and her testimony helped convict her. Did Danny Downs, Steve Downs' son, remain paralyzed? He could not during the marriage so he walked away. It will not make me popular, but I dont mind. I think that she has done enough time and should be released. In fact, Diane had consulted a psychologist after the tragedy and after months of consultation, she was never diagnosed as a sociopath. He was very irresponsible and probably could not handle them financially and emotionally. They rarely get a break. but later you claim Diane was inside the car and shot the kids in the car and that that BECAUSE she was inside the car she should have had blood splatter on herso WHICH IS IT, I dont know which it is Libby. I hope this would never fly these days to separate wounded children from the only family members they have. Ms. Downs makes every effort to avoid emotional stimuli in order to reduce the demands made on her. The grandparents were babysitting the children often and had several children who were well adjusted. And what happened to her little daughter is beyond unethical. Brewer freely declared that Diane Downs would never have been convicted except that he believed the lie Jim Jagger permitted Fred Hugi to enter into the record. Any thoughts on that? statement regarding the effects of the childrens medications while in hospital should acknowledge where the blogger obtained information about the side effects.). Kenyans Compare Rachel Ruto, Margaret Kenyatta's Looks in Maasai Outfits, Kim Kardashian Looking for Love Again, Wants to Date Someone Who Isn't Famous, Kind Officers Drop Protesters in Nairobi CBD after Being Released from Central Police Station, Oburu Oginga Hints at Raila Odinga Vying for Presidency in 2027: "He's Not Retired", Naftali Kinuthia Says He Regrets Killing Lover Ivy Wangeci Using Axe: "Too Angry to Think". How about dads side of the family? She was more interested in the affection of men, which on that fateful day in 1983 gave her an idea. She found out who her biological mother was when she was 11 years old, ABC reported. Gosh Donna, you really dont have a clue. Every single one of these questions matter. Because she had driven that area for years for her work. Do not forget that she got letters of support from a warden and psychiatrist. It wasnt simply her demeanor that got her convicted. Danny was the product of an affair. 2) You mention her youngest daughter, and how Ann made sure she only heard negative information about Diane. But in the case of DD, there were a lot of elements missing. She had one arm totally out of commission. I think DD is guilty, but I also think her trial was far from due process, and that is the important issue. Surprisingly, he accepted the new child and learned to love him dearly. rudy francisco rifle analysis / ford employee profit sharing 2022 / why didn't steve downs get custody. Diane Downs and Alice Crummins were considered sluts and cold-blooded women and were judged on their unusual character. One of them named Angel, called 15-year-old Christie on the phone. In an earlier comment you stated that Diane had met all of the requirements for parole. The notions of humanity and rehabilitation have been left on the wayside long ago. But, their marriage was far from what either of them had expected. Her case was too public and they are afraid of public backlash. Not that it matters, your opinion is about the case and not subject to geography. Even if I have no doubt that Hugi loved the kids, we have to wonder why he adopted them two years later just when little Christie started saying she had no clue who shot them. What I believe doesnt matter at all. Not in this case. I found nothing. Im sure nothing I write will change that. Even if I have no doubt that Hugi loved the kids, we have to wonder why he adopted them two years later just when little Christie started saying she had no clue who shot them. She has done her time in prison and I hope that she gets the chance to get out and spend time with her mother and siblings. Many individuals associated with the the child welfare system, for one reason or another, choose to adopt children. Right?? A demonstration in court strongly suggested: Suggested, not confirmed. The incident left Cheryl dead, Danny paralyzed from the waist down, and Christie suffering from a stroke that affected her speech. Christie was born in October of 1974 and Cheryl Lynn in January of 1976. Its a fact. After graduating high school, Steve went on to join the Navy, and Diane, having a strict religious background, was sent to the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College. As for how to answer this question,,, seems like he is assuming guilt and because of this my parents or me or my brothers and sister, our uncles and aunts were not considered because of an unproven allegation Does he truly believe this is ok??? Washing soda is your best bet: It includes, among its ingredients, the exceedingly corrosive carbolic acid. Not our place to decide. It probably makes you feel so good. She has come a long way. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. But showing no remorse is part of claiming her innocence and part of the vicious circle of parole hearings. I dont believe there was a CK. This is especially if it comes with a history of erratic behavior following the use of these substances. That is why people wonder why such a vital family member never gave the anticipated insightful interview. It should have raised a red flag concerning her mental stability or the possibility that more people were involved. Spiritual advancement and atonement? Too bad she did not interview Diane or her family. You said yourself that the title was revealing. In fact, watching that was the first time I heard her voice and saw her presence, it was a year or so later that old interviews showed up on YouTube. She should of been sentenced to death. To have separated Christie from her brother and the rest of the family to be able to get her mom was unconscionable. They were traumatized and needed familiar faces to feel safe. They hardly investigated any other lead after a couple of weeks. I dont know either if she is guilty or not, but I believe there is a reasonable doubt surrounding the circumstances. Up. Mr. Downs must have had a bad feeling about Jagger because before trial, he tried to retain defense attorney Melvin Belli who had the reputation of fighting for his clients and to win all his cases. Anything less is a conflict of interest. The person who shot the kids was leaning inside the car because they were shot at close range. No one bothered with these details so I did. But Diane couldnt do that. Knick had NOT signed the premarital agreement, but that didnt stay his pursuit of Diane, knowing she was moving 1200 miles away. She told ABC, The impact of Diane Downs being my mom has altered the course of my life so many times. I find it interesting for you to observe this because it should be more scientific and empirical today than it was in the 80s, but is it really? On her way to the hospital,she was followed by someone who said she was going slow, but Diane said she was driving fairly fast. Everyone deserves peace. She functions best in highly structured environments where she has a sense of control. Or that they are not even curious about it. Jump through the States hoops, or find a noose around your neck. How ironic that the court and cops were so quick to believe Steve Downs, but he gave up on his own children after the tragedy. I dont understand how the family court managed to isolate 2 severely traumatized and grievously injured children from their entire family. After all, many cases of domestic abuse and even neglect do stem from alcoholism or drug abuse. 2.Diane herself has stated that the shooter was outside the car and shot THROUGH the window, no blood spatter. It is not my point. Some cases are so one sided that you feel like exposing or at least, discussing the other side. DNA Test Kits Are Helping Solve Cold Cases Decades Later, After Nearly a Year, There Could Finally be an Investigation Into the Death of Elijah McClain. It is called a conflict of interest. I had never heard of this case and fell upon several videos that had me completely convinced DD was a narcissistic psychopath. Why did CK shoot the kids multiple times and DD once? I dont care what Diane Downs says at the parole board hearing, except if she is innocent or guilty. I bet the records are and always have been sealed regarding this aspect of the case. Right after the shooting, little Danny would ask the nurses, Why did the mean man shoot me? and it would be written down in the daily notes. The lovely Farrah Fawcett who played in the movie Small Sacrifices was known for her epic battles with lover Ryan ONeil. Imagine knowing that your adoptive dad was responsible for putting your natural mom in the slammer? For the upcoming Halo TV show, original Master Chief voice actor Steve Downes was recast, despite Cortana voice actor Jen Taylor reprising her role from the iconic video game franchise. They often argued about their financial issues and fought over infidelities. At the time Diane had told police that a stranger attempted to carjack her and shot the kids, and thats what her ex husband was told, too. The bushy haired stranger that police had gotten a lead on worked at the country club he was at work at that time and had a sever speech impediment. Maybe dad relinquished, it sounds like he may have. I know people who know or knew people is not a valid argument. In a perfect world this would always be the case. This is a scenario pretty hard to believe, but as they say, reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction. They were the small sacrifices. There were a few calls and on one occasion, The most frequent remarks I hear about the case when confronted by the state misconduct and the lack of evidence are gut feelings , So the hell with no gun, no GSR, no blood and no witnesses except a sick child who denied knowing who shot them until she could not anymore and happened to be adopted by the prosecutor; making it look like she could never change her mind and reveal that she has no memory of the shooting and maybe have the case reversed. They claimed to have found two lead cartridges in Dianes rifle at home that supposedly matched the ones used during the crime. Not speculative? However, Steve later discovered that Danny wasn't his biological son and divorced his wife. During the process of the termination (which can take the whole 2 years in question, with appeals) the court is mandated to find family to take the children. Seems like she was her worst enemy. They are still part of their birth family. Of course, because this is what she does when people put her on the spot and ask questions concerning her mother and the shooting. What about the judge stopping a defendant from getting a new attorney? Diane did not get a fair trial. The last time I checked, it is my website and if you find it tiresome, no one is inviting you to stay or read the content; which you evidently did not read anyway. They did not like her attitude and she did not behave the way they expected a grieving mother to act. Here's what we know. Also Im curious as to how you feel her repeated escape attempts should affect her deserving to be on parole. Now if the shooter was this James Haynes guy, someone who apparently Diane Downs knew from buying drugs, then that would explain why she stopped in the middle of that road. The american system often reminds me of what Charles Dickens talked about in his novels. It seems that everyone commenting just knows shes guilty, like you say. Are we to believe that Proctors second gun was stolen with the bill and ID from the first gun that remained listed at the gun store? I think that you are right about certain things not being ignored. High profile cases usually do not get the same treatment as regular folks. In one of them, he knew her name and in another one, she had answered a call and been told to meet someone. They never found the gun and she showed no signs of having fired one. (that one is more of a question). Leaving out a lot of info that should be included and presenting a very one sided take on these things. Her children were obviously more severely injuredbecause being captive in the car while a shooter aimed at them gave them less of a chance to wiggle out of the situation than an adult outside the car. It is documented in the blog where I give the source In the 1996 Federal Petition, you can find the Anatomy of Brainwashing that can answer any question on this subject. No forensic evidence pointing to her, just conjecture based on how mothers should act. In case you did not read the blog: During Dianes examination at trial, Fred Hugi said in front of the jury, in the form of a question, that she had been diagnosed as a deviant sociopath. When you hear her in interviews she sounds more concerned with herself than her kids. If you want to defend Diane Downs, more power to you. The diagnosis of the psychiatrist for the state is also clearly documented. She signed an affidavit to that effect and wanted the jury informed of it but it was never done. Most were married because Diane had no desire to remarry. Cheryl Lynn followed in 1976, and Stephen Daniel was born in 1979. She was also shot twice andifshe had been sitting up, the seats would have been covered with blood spatter as well as the shooter. He then left !his second wife, Charlene, to cohabitate with (and propose marriage to) Diane. Anyways. Her three small children, Christie, 8; Cheryl, 7; and Danny, 3 . On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane Downs and her three small children were shot on a country road near Springfield, Oregon. I am a firm believer of where there is smoke there is fire. The following article hopes to help you make more suitable choices and get more useful information She was interrogated without a representative from the defense and was not taped for the most part. It simply states the facts of the case. How do you expect the daughter to have any fair understanding of the situation or any decent contact with Dianes family when the people who have been calling her mother a murderer and a monster are dragging her in the media spotlight in the hope of writing another book or getting a new scoop, but all one sided. I try to remain objective in spite of the media storm depicting the case in a certain way, which is not accurate in every aspect. I am not sure. If personal diaries were to be believed, half of the population would be in great jeopardy. In this Battle of Cutthroats, Who has lost their head? Diane didnt ask Knick to leave his wife. A reader told me that I should have a website with all the comments. Except after the idea was subsequently planted in his head only to be alluded to in court, in spite of an agreement to never mention the subject.