In addition, the children were suffering life-changing physical and mental trauma, which would take years to heal. But unfortunately, Diane's parents never approved of the relationship as they had high hopes for their daughter's future, which they did not see in Steve. The flesh and muscle had been cored three days earlier, but the steel plate and bone graft could not be effected for two weeks (a precaution against infection). But I know that there were major problems with this case. 2. So appropriate! So she could not have shot her kids at the distance determined by the state unless she changed her clothing and it did not come up at trial. N u pleaded guilty of murdering ur husband. But you told Diane Downs to go ahead and get an apartment? It is said that they didn't go to Steve because he wasn't a fit father or well equipped to take care of children who had gone through such a traumatic experience. I do not declare her innocent. The price of celebrity for her was losing her freedom and her children for life. Right after the shooting, little Danny would ask the nurses, , Even Ann Rule in her book, keeps mentioning that, Every time, she said she did not know, they told her to think again and made suggestions. A. Diane Downs is no exception. I didnt know that. ), Interesting suggestion. During his travels, he visited prisons and spoke against this type of barbarism because his father was imprisoned for a debt of 40 pounds and 10 shillings when he was twelve years. I care about what was said at trial. CK was willing to take, or attempt to take, the lives of 4 people in order to steal their car. 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. Inflammatory and speculative 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 will agree that it was suspicious that Diane got away with one bullet in the arm, even if the injury was severe, but she was outside the car and many scenarios are possible to that effect. The court can just do an APR, Assignment of Parental Rights. The circumstances surrounding the case were not enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Diane nowhad the title ofdangerous offender. My brother was a first-generation immigrant who died in police custody The courts were divided in the 80s, family court, traffic court, criminal court, juvenile court I dont believe they ran out of judges to preside over them all. Offers may be subject to change without notice. She may be highly vulnerable to losing control of her emotions in emotionally charged situations, creating faulty judgment and ineffective and inappropriate behavior. Melvin Belli How things could have been different. 0. To this day, there is not enough evidence to prove her guilt or innocence. So, how much do you know about him aside from this acting profile? High profile cases usually do not get the same treatment as regular folks. Danny has kept a low profile, and not much about his life like family, marriage, and children are in public. Why Ruth Bader Ginsburg Refused to Step Down - The New York Times But saying that you are not very smart is useless. Likewise, Charlene had no intention of letting Knick divorce her (Appendix 81, page 1518, line 15). Lori, I luv how you ended your comment Lets also remember that this is the US of A and we dont lock people up for being narcissistic, antisocial histrionic individuals. Those cases shouldnt have been in the same court let alone presided over by the same judge. Ms. Downs makes every effort to avoid emotional stimuli in order to reduce the demands made on her. The notions of humanity and rehabilitation have been left on the wayside long ago. We make them president. They now throw people in prison in the US for debts. Considering the lack of evidence, it seems that she was condemned mostly because of herinappropriatestatements and behavior. On the single count of murder, the jurors needed a unanimous decision. Maybe I should have elaborated more about this comment. Andthe DA adopted her other two children. They were treated very badly in this matter. Knicks habit of turning on and turning off their relationship was known to Diane long before he admitted it in court a year later (Appendix 81, page 1520, line 21): Q. why didn't steve downs get custody. And being the mother of three only served to propel Diane in a more manic state. Diane downs. This was all logged in Christies hospital reports and is found in the Appendix of the petition filed in Federal Court in 1996 in the section Hospital Reports.. Diane Downs' ex husband, Steve Downs, lost a lot in May 1983 when his ex wife shot their three children, following their divorce in 1980. Its a rather large part of the story. 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. Just like Rule though, your blog is extremely biased, and reads almost as though she told you exactly what to write at times. 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. Everything was in the bag and ready for trial. Her quest for love had landed her into an unstable and loveless marriage. They both would fall in love and decide they want to marry each other. This is not the reason she is still locked up. Who Wore it Better? Jump through the States hoops, or find a noose around your neck. In fact, Diane had consulted a psychologist after the tragedy and after months of consultation, she was never diagnosed as a sociopath. Everywhere, EXCEPT the door through which Diane reported to police, the male stranger had passed. Page 37 of Case History. Mainly because she is being kept caged due to her name recognition at this point, not her offense. When Diane had failed to mention it herself, he even informed them that she had bought a .22 caliber shotgun in Arizona, just before she had left for Oregon. But my beef is with the interference by the media, TV shows and Ann Rule. Did Anyone Watch 20/20 Last Night? - Page 3 - Blogs & Forums - QVC Whether or not Steve Downs was in some way behind the shooting, the man who fired the weapon was a stranger to Diane. As usual, Diane had resorted to the soothing comfort of a pregnancy to pretend life would get better; she would create a nest around her, come hell or high water. The poor jury went along and Jagger did not put much ofa defense anyway. Page 26 of Case History. The mommy murderess pulled her car over the side of the road and shot her three young children in the backseat. This coercion came to Dianes attention in January 1989 (Appendix 39). Page 41 of case history. If the media was anything at the time it was favorable towards her. It was the story of two troubled young souls trying to survive without a safety net. Their first child, Christie Ann, was born in 1974. http://www.salem-news.com/articles/july152013/midnight-med-tb-2.php The most exciting thing about Steve is that he never appeared in public despite the immense case against his wife. But, we cant help but notice that a few key individuals of her family, so to speak, didnt give those insightful interviews. 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. You are telling me to take my smugness elsewhere because it is tiresome. In the spring of 1986, Christie confided to school mates that shed been coerced to lie in court, to implicate her mother (Appendix 1-2). On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane Downs and her three small children were shot on a country road near Springfield, Oregon. According to Oregon law, this would have to be supported by a psychiatrists report or a Wardens letter and Diane provided both. They were in foster care for two years before the prosecutor adopted them. I found nothing. What?? I encourage you to read all the facts before being so sure that she was guilty or that she acted alone. In reply to Nick. Not that Dianes mental health was not a factor in her letter, but it was definitely taken out of context in some instances. She learnedat a young age to keep her emotions in check and to always present a strong and brave front. Diane was cooked the minute she walked in that courtroom. And the interrogations were not tapedand barelydocumented. Instead of blaming societal problems and working at finding solutions, prison always seem to be their option. She would have been released under strict conditions with the support of her family and under the care of a mental health specialist. Ive not seen the movie or read the book. On May 19, 1983, Diane and her kids visited a friend to look at her new horse, and then went for a drive; not at all unusual for this family not living according to middle class rules. It is not, as the blogger frequently refers to, evidence. 5. She has an excellent conduct report and never reacted violently to any of the harassment from other inmates. Not unlike Diane, Alice did not want to share her pain in public. I followed the trial. 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. As Ms. Patterson left the stand, Diane complained to her attorney that Ms. Patterson had lied under oath. The State produced a witness (Ms. Patterson) to testify that Diane Downs entered the hospital bathroom, left the door open, and ran water in the sink (Appendix 87, page 476). The reason she is likely locked up is because she was diagnosed with narcissistic, histrionic and anti social personality disorder, that makes her a very dangerous person (especially since she is a murderer). 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. And even when confronted by the wrongful practices used at trial to get her convicted, are ok with her being locked up for life. That she had no blood or gun powder anywhere when she allegedly shot at close range? At Sophie Sergie murder trial, jury hears recordings of Steven Downs It was flawed. She was the first to admit that at times, she was somewhat neglectful, impatient, yelled too much, and could have been a better mother, but she seemed to have turned the corner and was doing her best with the means at her disposal. I know several people who know or knew both of the surviving children as well as Diane. He freely admitted HE decided to ask for a divorce on his birthday without consulting Diane, who was out of town The towel and a girl who had a stroke, was separated from her family and was constantly questioned without being recorded or accompanied by a loved one and testifying to facts that do not match the testimony of the forensic expert is not being reduced to conjecture? Her character was also too much on the forefront. Is. Our legal system is not perfect. Steven and Diane married on November 13, 1973. Were they involved in the plot too?? I like your approach. Nevertheless, what was done seemed out of our hands and we could have no contact with them at all. The tape is real and probably not admissible, but it seems to indicate that her testimony was coerced: Why is it not admissible? Surprisingly, Fred Hugi actually looks quite different. And because of this, they formed a profound connection that matured into a relationship. Are you still taking comments by email? Its too late for me to call myself a murderer (when I am not) just to purchase my freedom. What matters to me is that her rights were trampled during her trial. According to Detective Welch, Steve Downs followed Diane to Oregon, they fought and Steves rage took the last step on the path hed been treading for a long time. She was still trying to extricate herself from a bad relationship with Steve Downs and was in no hurry to repeat the mistake. The hell with doubts, ballistics and pesky details about the shooting, we cannot disagree becausethere is hunting and fishing to do and friendships to uphold. 2) You mention her youngest daughter, and how Ann made sure she only heard negative information about Diane. Being bipolar, she had no impulse control so it should not have surprised anyone. Being interested in a subject without bringing emotions to the table is always the most important step. He has also once again decided to defy . The authorities believed that the children's father was not a good fit to look after the children after what they had endured when their mother tried to murder them. Steve and Diane Downs' children were adopted by Lane County prosecutor Fred Hugi and his wife, Joanne. In a perfect world this would always be the case. Imagine knowing that your adoptive dad was responsible for putting your natural mom in the slammer? In the moment of who shot youmy momhave a hard time believing that could be coached. This case had many similarities to the Alice Crimminsstory. If you want to defend Diane Downs, more power to you. And what happened to her little daughter is beyond unethical. Christie was only eight, had suffered gunshot wounds and was in shock. Christie could not speak but after some rehab, she said repeatedly that she did not know who shot them. I mean if a guy admits to killing children over and over, shouldnt we pay attention to that? If she was such a manipulative person, she would not be in prison for life, would she? 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 think that the time she has served and her good behavior made her eligible for parole. 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 , Anne Rule made a big deal of a brass unicorn engraved with the childrens names that Diane had purchased. It turned out to be a mistake because he was married to a County Circuit Court Judge who would become a colleague of Foote and he had no intention of defending Diane vigorously. She claimed she . Contemporary family finding principles argue that a child is best nurtured by parents, then immediate family members, extended family members, spiritual family (Godparents), close friends, etc. We dont know. The previous video you sent me shows a Jagger pretty animated and involved in the defense of his client. I just tried to find a video or article about Hugi and I only get the one or two that I already have. Hugi got the evidence needed to convict after numerous meetings with Christie. Dianes injury had to be quite painful and shewas in shockwhile driving to the hospital and accompanying the detectives to the crime scene. I know better now than to accept blindly the truth presented to us on a silver platter by the media and the judicial system. So obviously, she was the prime suspect. She repeated it years later at school. Seriously. https://www.google.com/search?q=diane+downs+with+christie+cheryl+and+danny&sxsrf=ACYBGNQDEM3XNQjZXlqNQpYLhZCn7ic5iw:1576689995166&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNuNT427_mAhUcJTQIHbveBMIQ_AUoAXoECA4QAw&biw=1024&bih=462#imgrc=gQkU10UxNhHn_M: If youre talking about the picture in the blog that is labeled as Christie, it is Christie. 'Leave It to Beaver' star Tony Dow explains why he wasn't allowed to They were in a difficult situation becausewithout evidence, they could notcharge her for the crime. They are still part of their birth family. And he was found not guilty because his defense team played the race card in an area of LA where they did not trust the police and discussed EDTA and DNA ad nauseam to confuse the jurors. As far as Hugi is concerned, it was a total conflict of interest. Which is itself a redundant practise: the blogger repeatedly states that Downs should be released. But to convince this young and vulnerable girl to turn on her mother, they needed to isolate her from her family and work relentlessly on her confession.. The discovery that he wasnt his biological child made him leave the relationship. So it would be logical to conclude that it would have left residues if anyone had shot at least 6 times. She was expelled and reunited with him against her parents wishes. Some would say that Diane Downs was condemned because of her lies and inconsistencies, but I think that it was mostly because of her disturbing demeanor and brash personality. Makes major decisions easier because only one parent is legally responsible. 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". I had never heard of this case and fell upon several videos that had me completely convinced DD was a narcissistic psychopath. What they did to her daughter is unconscionable. Diane Downs is an infamous killer who tried to murder her three children to pursue love. Diane had a few lovers, which Knick refused to acknowledge (Appendix 81, pages 1508, 1520). Children under the age of twelve may cognitively grasp the concept of truth and lie, but lack the conscience which compels people to apply the concept to their lives, or the strength to maintain the truth when adults coerce her to lie. Mission accomplished: Relevance? Her three small children, Christie, 8; Cheryl, 7; and Danny, 3 . Page 35 of Case History. In 1991, David Brewer, a juror who deliberated Dianes fate in her 1984 trial, came forward to say he and another juror had decided to acquit Downs by the close of the States presentation. A new trial would be out of the question, so to me, parole would be the solution. Im all for justice, reviewing facts and overturning corrupt decisions. The jurors had doubts. Also on old footage of the trial, as there was no cameras aloud, the drawing of Christie Downs from court artist also complies with the testimony given in the book, as far as her pain and crying. Surprisingly, he accepted the new child and learned to love him dearly. And so, very quickly, they formed a relationship. So either way, it would not be so far fetched that someone said he was the shooter.A little investigation would not hurt. Jul 3, 2022; fotomontajes de amor para dos personas; Comments: pete walker complex ptsd website; BUT the babies were put in Foster Care before any allegations were made Family has defended and backed Diane for her Innocence clearly from day one The state took them away from all family because family was and is the enemy Who are Steve Downs children? The kind of TV series that they produce on high profile crimes will make sure to turn public opinion. And Robert Knickerbocker became one of her lovers. She wanted a lawyer to defend her vigorously but the judge stopped her from getting good representation. And once again, considering that she was diagnosed as bipolar, did not help her cause. Whatever mental illness she has, has gotten worse with each hearing. That disinformation was alleged by Mr. Hugi the third day into Jim Jaggers defense and it was never objected to by Mr. Jagger . Thanks again. I am not sure. And Im really not on the fence the little girl was coachedI believe the ex husband , his freinds, and her lovers were invalid either way. You are wondering about the question why didn't steve downs get custody but currently there is no answer, so let kienthuctudonghoa.com summarize and list the top articles with the question. Ive been trying to decipher her handwriting on the couple of pages she wrote to her daughter (misquoted on here somewhere is a highlighted If you love your little boy, youll take him far away from here- why is this being taken as a threat and not a warning?!). DA Pat Horton declared early in the game to the local paper that the search for the bearded stranger was not very high on their priority list.. You need to have your own voice," she said. Late Tom Billings had been the first who openly questioned Diane Downs guilt. You seem to care about my opinion and perception of some elements of the case and how the media poisoned the well in this instance, but what about the trial? I cant believe that it was allowed to happen, actually. 3. It seems that everyone commenting just knows shes guilty, like you say. Dianes brother, James, sat in court one day andnoticed Foote looking at Hugi before ruling on an objection. Many troubling elements of the case were discovered after the trial, but there was enough during the proceedings to be asking questions. Halo Show: Why Master Chief's Voice Actor Was Recast (But Cortana Wasn't) This is basically the book best kept secrets in condensed form full of outlandish theories. You fail to mention what her daughter actually said about her communication with Diane, like Diane telling her that a very powerful person, a secret man, has been watching her, and that if she loved her son she would move away or else her son will grow up to be a murderer. Except for Paul Cortez. Back to DD, I think she suffered some kind of mental breakdown, her account of the facts was never reliable, all the case appears murky, which points to an incompetent handling of the situation by the police and justice system. I am publishing your comment because once in a while, I need to post the pitiful representation of true crime readers who made Anne Rule a rich author. She could have stayed on the side of the road. If the police department had done their job properly, I would not have written this blog, no matter the outcome. My opposition to movies about true crime stories is unshakable. Maybe she didnt want to admit she was there for drugs, but you need a really tiny brain to worry about that in such a situation. 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. Foote then handled the juvenile docket and first encountered Downs when he ordered her two surviving children into state protective custody. The Media or ISIS? The case is old and the blog dated, but it is never too late to respond. This video has Dianes attorney, Jim Jagger, at 1 minutes and 20 seconds that might have some good shots. And if he really was attached to them and wanted to offer them a permanent home, it means he was unfit to be the prosecutor in this case. The US is a very strange bird when it comes to crime and punishment. A very reasonable request that was rejected. Christie's first child is a boy. Simply because I researched them. 4. He still shouldnt have been allowed to adopt them while the appeals process was ongoing, if he had any role in those cases. Steve was among the few individuals who saw Elizabeth Diane as a beautiful young lady rather than an outsider. Steve Bannon released from custody pending trial on contempt of Yes, isnt it shocking that some people would voice that a faulty investigation does not matter? Of course. The crucial point is that she is so void of emotion. Someone can have an evil vibe and not be guilty of a crime. He should have let someone else handle the case or let someone else adopt the kids. You read a few comments. Only the people who present ongoing threats to the safety of the public in general are the ones this sentence is reserved for. After the trial that convicted Diane Downs, Fred Hugi, the Prosecutor adopted Christie and Danny (they were in foster care for 2 years before he decided to adopt them), the two surviving children. A steel plate had to be attached and some lead fragments were removed.