When she resisted, he shot her kids and struggled with her. If he was getting too close to the witness emotionally he should have stepped away from the case. Or that the sketch did not resemble the suspect enough? I removed the dumb and crass part of your comment. Not optional, kids should not be in limbo that long, but it happens all the time. That didnt seem right so we wrote a letter to Mr Hugi with a request for visitation rights. I watched the paroles hearing in 08, was lucky to find it, it was streamed live at the timemy sister, who is a whiz with computers, found it for me. Usually it isnt there but every once in awhile, it comes out. This case needed to be examined more thoroughly, but the mob mentality didnt allow it. You say she made more of a fuss about her arm than about the injuries her children sustained. Around 1 in 20 residents in Arkansas and Tennessee were missed during the 2020 census, and four other U.S. states had significant undercounts of their populations which could shortchange them Most people negotiate the ups and downs of . Even if the nurses notes indicated countless times that the children asked for their mother and enjoyed her visits, they cut them off from the only family they knew and loved; supposedly for their own protection. Diane then replied, so, put her back on the stand and make her tell the truth. He said he would when it was his turn, but never did. She is supposed to be locked up for murder, etc. 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. Phenobarbital was administered alongside the Dilantin. There have many times children have had to testify against their parents so the fact that many cant believe it was ever allowed should honestly research more. Diane had siblings and parents. Im sorry but your article is tosh. What they did to her daughter is unconscionable. Christie was the primary witness in the case against her mother. They were tons of witnesses that saw him at work. On June 2nd, 1983, Juvenile Court Judge Gregory Foote held a hearing to take Christie and Danny away from ALL blood family (thus isolating them). Lise lasalle you mention THIS When she (Diane) resisted, he shot her kids and struggled with her. Lets not take that lightly. She states, I did not shoot my children and I cant say I did. Theres a lot to be said here, still. 6. I simply state facts that did not or would not come out at the time or blatant misconduct from a legal system that is supposed to be based on innocent until proven guilty. Yet in their mind, she was already guilty. Everyone in the world can believe something. Movie scene alleging that Christie was scared. Even though his wife shot their children multiple times, and the case was national news, he never surfaced and kept a low profile. Diane found a full-time job with the U.S. Post Office in 1981, and was stationed in Chandler. Diane found with him,the kind of relationship she had never known before: there was actually care and intimacy involved. We, who watched her parole hearing a few years ago prayed HARD that she wouldnt be set free, know she is guilty. I still dont buy her story. Tracy, I never said she was in the car. Ive not seen the movie or read the book. If the media was anything at the time it was favorable towards her. But for what it is worth, I believe she tried to kill her 3 kids. Or maybe an upvote/downvote arrow for each. So not addressing the content of the blog and rambling about everything else while asking for a disclaimer is nailing it? I do not believe that this type of abuse would occur today. Dianes ex-lover, Robert Knickerbocker, also said the same. In the blog, there is a link on the subject of bipolar people who tend to laugh at the wrong time. Downs wanted to get rid of the kids because her new boyfriend didn't want . That conflict of interest alone would incline Christie to testify against her mother. But why was the judge in family court hopping over to criminal court? 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. Downs went on trial on Jan. 12 for a rape and murder that happened in 1993, when he . They came up with an explanation as to why this was the wrong gun but the jig was up. 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 know that wasnt brought up this time but it usually is.) They often argued about their financial issues and fought over infidelities. She says she was outside the car n watched the man shoot her children n then the only adult n person who could tell police about him only gets a shot in the arm n takes time to bandage her arm. If you use this mixed water, you can lift off a gunpowder stain.. The only reason they kept her in prison even if she had all the right documentation and support, is because she is high profile. The person leaned into the car. She always seems to have not a very close contact with reality. But due to a law enacted in Oregon after she first became eligible for parole, she can now only apply every 10 years. But there was a lot left unsaid about this relationship. And this makes many people wonder about his whereabouts. Messed. The chief prosecutor adopting the children beggars belief! Within three weeks, Diane had lost custody of her remaining wounded children and had become the number one suspect in the eyes of the police department and District Attorneys office. The circumstances surrounding the case were not enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. (Appendix 81, page 1466). He is in his 70s now and his photo is not on his linkedin or anywhere I could find. And being the mother of three only served to propel Diane in a more manic state. Many troubling elements of the case were discovered after the trial, but there was enough during the proceedings to be asking questions. They rarely are, especially in the US. You mention that her attorney should have raised objections. Whatever mental illness she has, has gotten worse with each hearing. I know better now than to accept blindly the truth presented to us on a silver platter by the media and the judicial system. more on crime HEARTBREAKING FIND The Office star's sister-in-law found dead 11 days after going missing 'DISGUSTING' As you might know, Dianes father passed away after many years of anguish over the fate of his daughter. If appropriate family members could not be found to take placement of the children then family friends are the next step. These women did not show emotions and did not fold when asked to. Another significant development about the children is that Danny is great with computers but is still paralyzed from the bullet that hit his back but is leading a regular life. I think that Van Houten was recommended for parole by a system that assessed that after 40 years, she was not a threat to society and a reformed woman. why didn't steve downs get custodylagu sekolah minggu bahasa inggris Opinion Fox News's blackout of Jan. 6 points to a hidden crisis for Democrats The not-so-shocking revelation that Fox News will not carry House committee hearings about the insurrection is yet another sign that right-wing media will go to extraordinary lengths to shield . The Halo TV show stars Orange is the New Black's Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief, with Californication's Natascha McElhone as Dr. Halsey. It is not a run of the mill case. 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. This blogger believes in the presumption of innocence and in the possibility of redemption. I think DD is guilty, but I also think her trial was far from due process, and that is the important issue. Not giving you free reign here. One should also wonder why their biological father who was so eager to bash his ex on the stand was not given custody, and did not stay in contact with his two remaining children: relevance? Nobody knows but her. I like your approach. However, Steve later discovered that Danny wasn't his biological son and divorced his wife. They felt safe there. I wanted to ask you something on this case. After completing his education and their short-lived high school romance, Steve Downs would move on to join the navy. I lived through the media coverage. As her brother mentioned, it would not be that farfetched for his sister to stop for someone considering that she was a person who lacked impulse control and the era. It was pretty apparent during the course of this saga that the media and the state were willing to give a free pass to anyone willing to badmouth Diane. But I would not know what her state of mind is because I did not witness it. Yes, I had to go and sign the lease, yes, sir. And by the way, I wrote the blogs about Rule way before she passed. Mr. Jagger failed to challenge that competency. Page 40 of Case History. Just goes to show how difficult it is sometimes to find the truth. A number of them were clearly . I almost felt bad for her.that being she seemed so lost in her lies..she just hangs in limbo now. 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. 7 chilling clues in case of Diane Downs after she told cops a stranger (Yes in the 1980s a ten yr like myself was not as mature as say todays 10 yr olds. They brought cakes and cookies and became friends so they were not going to fight over this. Also Im curious as to how you feel her repeated escape attempts should affect her deserving to be on parole. If I was of a mind to manipulate the Board by giving voice to the words they want me to utter, Id have sold my soul two decades ago when the lies would have benefited me and my youth passed long ago. They were the small sacrifices. The detective said to leave that up to the police. However, in 1980, the couple divorced. Doesnt change the fact that it was still a conflict of interest. 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. I do not declare her innocent. That is pure bullshit. For the children to be legally free for adoption a termination of parental rights had to occur. It was Judge Footes first criminal case and it was against a woman whose children he had removed from her care even though she had not been convicted or sentenced; a conflict of interest and pure madness. Diane Downs children: Where are Christie and Stephen now? So it would be logical to conclude that it would have left residues if anyone had shot at least 6 times. They had high hopes for Dianes future and this bad boy was not part of it. According to the State, ballistics evidence proved that Diane Downs was guilty. GSR can easily fall off just by brushing your hand against a surface. Gun shot residue is not always present. They now throw people in prison in the US for debts. Thanks for the link. Her atrocities made national news, but one person that everyone has been wondering about is Diane Down's ex-husband. Is it just to continue to punish her so long after she is obviously no longer a danger in any way to anyone? What mother takes her kids out at night and then stops for a stranger with her kids in the car? So either way, it would not be so far fetched that someone said he was the shooter.A little investigation would not hurt. Barry Sheck and bis crew of investigators should get involved. I mean if a guy admits to killing children over and over, shouldnt we pay attention to that? Found the internet! It was half baked escape plans that were more in her head than anything and that the media enjoyed blowing out of proportions. Years later, Christie was heard saying by classmates that she did not know who shot her. Nearly every point you make here was addressed and disproved or not even allowed into evidence. I guess he did not want too many people to know about the improprieties that happened in his courtroom: I guess? And the interrogations were not tapedand barelydocumented. Christie NEVER said she didnt know who did it she was just unwilling or afraid to tell on her mother. Inside, outside, top to bottom. Posted by October 30, 2021 apush gilded age test on why didn't steve downs get custody The way it was. Leslie Van Houten is an example of a woman who probably will never see the light of day because of her high profile status. I am sorry but I got to laugh a little. "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. Agreed. No forensic evidence pointing to her, just conjecture based on how mothers should act. 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. From reading the blog and my little understanding of this case, Ms Downs remains in custody as she is considered a dangerous offender. This is a conflict of interest. Her 7 yr old daughter was already dead, her other 2 children were in critical condition. Her older two children have remained out of the public eye. The problem was, Diane has a long-documented history of adversely reacting to tranquilizing drugs. This is especially if it comes with a history of erratic behavior following the use of these substances. Her father also insisted shetry to help catch the shooter. Despite all these misgivings, they chose to stay strong in the marriage and had their first child, Christie Ann, in 1974. Wasnt Mr. F supposed to be a child molester? Unfortunately couldnt really do anything at that point, as the movie was not VHS yet, it only aired that oncein late 89. Diane changed her story about the stranger on the road. Gosh Donna, you really dont have a clue. I think that she has done enough time and should be released. 20 female celebrities with black hair to follow in 2023, 10 most famous QVC hosts who were fired or left the channel. When they graduated from high school, the two reunited and rekindled their love despite their brief separation. However, their marriage wasnt as great as they anticipated as Steve was a player and quite irresponsible and immature at the time. You read a few comments. tell someone else. This was very stressful. You can click here to read about the case of Alice Crimmins during which the lead detective was heard telling the other cops before the bodies of the children were ever found:You take the husband, Ill take the bitch.. During cross-examination, she said that she witnessed the murders while sitting up and that Cheryl was sitting up on the front seat when she got shot. Surely before Diane downs, there were other mothers who killed their kids..or allegedly did, however in 83 and 84 it made national news, nothing quite like it had come across the media world, which during that decade was really skyrocketing in sensationalismI believe is where it started, becoming less news and more entertainment. Too bad she did not interview Diane or her family. I wish she could get a new look. The lack of balance and objectivity. They already had made up their mind that Diane was the perpetrator so they laughed off the idea of the bushy haired stranger. The problem was that they could not find the gun anywhere and they had nothing on Diane. Christie was only eight, had suffered gunshot wounds and was in shock. Of course. Conflict of interest on steroids!! Like I said, the 2 years make it a bit more of a gray area. Then ask yourself if thats how you want your son to grow up. So I start with that bit of history in mind. What?? And the flat affect and sometimes inappropriate smiling would come with the territory so you cannot judge her actions without taking into account that she might not have been acting according to the norms. But in their defense, they were told at trial what gun was used by Diane to shoot the kids and it must have been very difficult to overcome the emotions brought on by the words of little Christie even if it was pretty obvious during her testimony that she was confused and unreliable. They both fainted when they saw their dead child, but it did not count. Same with her brother. No matter how much Ive read, or how many of her constant at the time interviews I watch on YouTube, the things that come from her brain to her mouth never cease to amaze me. But I think that in all fairness, many of them dont even know the details of the case and have watched Small Sacrifices instead. If the answer is, to keep the public safe, then I call BS. Hugi got the evidence needed to convict after numerous meetings with Christie. It became judicial kidnapping to obtain a coerced confession. But if the blogger is arguing that the blog is balanced and objective, thats patently untrue. http://www.salem-news.com/articles/july152013/midnight-med-tb-2.php It appeared rigged: Rigged? 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). But if you compare the time she was seen by the witness to the timing of her arrival at the hospital, it seems to indicate she went pretty fast, butnone of it was explained ordemonstrated properly. She had a more than competent attorney and a fair trial before a jury and NOT the same judge who handled the childrens matters. I point out some obvious facts and discrepancies, and that due process was shoved aside because the state and the media presented a guilty image right from the start. So obviously, she was the prime suspect. 1) Gunshot residue/blood splatter. They did a trace metal test to see if Diane had held a gun. It would not benefit you, my children, or society for me to perpetuate that lie. The grandparents were babysitting the children often and had several children who were well adjusted. I feel compelled to comment on this blog, because having recently read Ann Rules book, I feel exactly as you did. It was known as Manic Depression. Diane ran away from her husband many times between 1976 and 1977, but with nowhere to go except her parents house, she would come back. 5. Mission accomplished. The fate of Steven Downs, a 47-year-old nurse from Auburn, Maine, is now in hands of a 12-person jury in Alaska. The blog I read is all about the improprieties and flat out misconduct in Dianes trial (and the way Ann Rule profited off of it with fiction). Q. this is your 2nd quote which contradicts the first one .. Lets not forget that she was presumed to have fired a gun 6 times at close range within the confines of a small car. So it was a relentless game totry to reel her in. He said all the police needed was for Diane to bear witness against her ex-husband. did he have eyes in the back of his head.???? If you listen to the recording, Christie clearly says I dont know who did it. She was asleep, thats why. The definition of deviant sociopath does not even exist in the DSM-HI, which is the official psychiatric diagnostic manual. Not meaning to sound disrespectful, but you seem to be doing what you accuse Ann Rule of doing. So imagine when you are troubled to begin with. They lied about the ballistics. You cant possibly shake off all the gun powder residue and avoid all the blood. My brother was a first-generation immigrant who died in police custody The next morning Diane appeared in the courtroom with a police report written by Detective Pond a year earlier, in which Ms. Patterson was sure Diane had gone nowhere near the bathroom the night of the shooting (Appendix 62). You need real evidence in court. So appropriate! Why didnt they mention that he said a bad man and whatever else in his condition when they knew it was not possible? Any thoughts on how the detectives basically made up their mind right away in spite of numerous tips coming in? The kind of TV series that they produce on high profile crimes will make sure to turn public opinion. So, what happened to the children's father? Is. Speculative. Indeed, Diane Down's murder case was a shocker for detectives. Very little is definitively known in this area. While that makes her technically eligible for parole at some point (in her case 2009) it does not actually mean she has an end date or a release date. You seem to believe everyone is innocent. Its more boring to tell the truth and the readers might not have flocked to read a fair story without no real heroes and villains. I am all for reviewing facts and getting a decision overturned in cases of corrupt decisions, and many people are on your side and find these cases totally worth their time. She told ABC, The impact of Diane Downs being my mom has altered the course of my life so many times. BUT like you rightly explain, there was no real evidence of her guilt. The judge who took away her children presided over her criminal trial. Its more understandable now, after all this time but it has done her so much harm, then and now Being a patient of the doctor who saved the childrens lives has nothing to do with the facts of a case. The woman shot her children. Diane, 18, had run away from home to do so. Diane nowhad the title ofdangerous offender. In my blog, I was referring to the case of Liysa Northon whose suit was dismissed, but when Ann Rule tried to sue the Seattle Magazine, its editor and Northons husband for their article on her shoddy work, she lost and had to pay restitution. No conflict of interest there? She threw her keys yet was able to take off right away?? The forensic evidence alone is absolutely weak. Any thoughts on that? Most people described Dianes injury as minor or superficial but in reality, it was a very serious injury. And if the fact that cops lied about the gun to close the deal did not bother you, it bothered me because this is not due process. I know people who know or knew people is not a valid argument. Christie was it though. He was one of the few people who saw Diane, not as the outsider, but as a beautiful woman who was anxious to assert her independence. Almost from day one, Diane was perceived as a cancer they had to remove. Don't get butt hurt. I agree. Reasonable doubt is most certainly lacking. (her family confirmed that she had a mood disorder, possibly bipolar 2), So when Dr. George Suckow from the Oregon State Hospital in Salem was called as a States rebuttal witness and he made a professional diagnosis of Diane as histrionics, antisocial and narcissistic, he openly said in court that he interviewed Diane for 1 hour and read evidence presented by the state to make his diagnosis.. Im not saying I know for a fact in my mind shes innocentbut there is NOT enough evidence for her to be guilty. There are no facts? Child Protective Services takes confidentiality to the extreme (warranted in most cases). She signed an affidavit to that effect and wanted the jury informed of it but it was never done.