Nobody knows but her. Ffs maybe u should go back to writing screenplays. And some are even contradictory: shes mentally ill, but also not mentally ill; the site owner wants to focus on pure facts, yet ignore other facts; things happened in court, but those are irrelevant to what else what also happened in court, etc. I agree that the phone call from Angel was totally inappropriate. In fact, Knick admits Diane took that gold chain as collateral against a $500 LOAN she made to him. I was shocked any asked why she thought that. What would have been the conclusion to have drawn without this hate campaign? Like in their movies. I especially loved reading everyones comments. He said all the police needed was for Diane to bear witness against her ex-husband. So how she behaved at the time, should not have been a factor influencing the authorities. ..maybe it was lack of Internet and cellies *shrug)..years later, my Co worker at burger King (I was 16)told me about the small sacrifices movie she watched the night before. They should have taken their timeto investigatethis case thoroughly and without prejudice. She even provided the police with her own sketch. Her lover and former husband testified against her but it did not represent evidence but character assassination. And to say that her mental health has degraded is an understatement, but more reason not to keep her eternally incarcerated. After all, she was conditioned this way. An attractive woman whose two children were killed in mysterious circumstances and the cops decided to go after her. I also found it curious that when Diane was first eligible for parole she was allowed to apply every 2 years thereafter until she either gets paroled or dies in prison. No, Im not that gullible, Okay, I just read that she faked throwing her keys. And she clearly remembered the April 1983, rape that Mr. Downs would later refer to as love making. 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. You wondered at times, which side he was working for. It seems that everyone commenting just knows shes guilty, like you say. The detectives took Diane to the crime scene and were able to retrieve shell cases on the ground where the incident happened. Ask them what they did to a good man. Fred Hugi was pretty upset when Ann Rule went Hollywood with his case. Ive done my research. Christie became the star witness against her mother and who could resist such a touching testimony? I base a lot on what I see and hear from her in her own words in footage of a 28 yr old woman. 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. Youre right to say that a GSR is not always foolproof and between 10-20% of suicide GSR kits test negative for GSR. We, who watched her parole hearing a few years ago prayed HARD that she wouldnt be set free, know she is guilty. Guilty or not, we should know better than to use the justice system as a psychic tool when theres not enough evidence. Even more now with hindsight because of the gun and the fact that her daughter kind of recanted by demonstrating that if pushed, she will say what is expected of her. Because she was failing quite miserably at remaining pure and chaste, she was expelled after only a year, and thus, she returned to her parents home in Arizona. So, why didn't Steve Downs get custody? Where is Diane Downs' husband now? Steve Downs Now: Where is Diane Downs' Ex-Husband Today? Update Thats the problem with high profile cases. Plus, Diane could have never cleaned her clothes and her hair to remove blood and gun powder. According to Rule and the court, the unicorn was a memorial to her children that she purchased after premeditating their murder. Thanks again. Unfortunately, Danny Downs was permanently paralyzed from the waist down because of a bullet injury in his back. They claimed to have found two lead cartridges in Dianes rifle at home that supposedly matched the ones used during the crime. So obviously, she was the prime suspect. Jeff, you mention being harsh as if there was a justification for it. If there is one thing Diane knew about her lover, is that he was fickle and did not like trouble of any kind. Steve and Diane were married from 1973 to 1980, and during this time, they had three children. Steve and Diane had three children, Danny, Cheryl, and Christie Ann. I didnt know that. And thats fair enough. 6. Interesting that the article has one of the same elements that Diane perpetrated when she drove to the hospital the night of the murders she made more of a fuss about her arm injury than she did about one of her kids dying and two of them being gravely and permanently wounded. The DA that put away their mom is not an appropriate placement choice. Who Wore it Better? So she warns her to stay away. Her father also insisted shetry to help catch the shooter. 2 years in foster care waiting to be legally free for adoption is not that uncommon even today. An earlier commenter wrote that it doesnt matter that the trail or the investigation was faultyWHAT !? They were in a difficult situation becausewithout evidence, they could notcharge her for the crime. Seems like she was her worst enemy. http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n364/a03.html // Prison-happy U.S. must reconsider use of mercy; Carol S. Steiker, professor at Harvard Law School, Sep. 10, 2008 , http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080910_Prison-happy_U_S__must_reconsider_use_of_mercy.html // US Prison Population Soars to 2.3Mln People at Annual Cost of $7Bln The US prison population has soared to 2.3 million people costing the government more than $7 billion per year. Clearly the social workers were working with the DAs office and taking advice on best interest of the children from them. I had visited Dr. Billings site several times and it is too bad that it was removed. 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. And Ann Rule said that the unicorn that was omnipresent in court was part of the premeditation. And if you claim your innocence, it obviously creates a vicious circle of not showing contrition. 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. This is not my scenario Tasha. But Ann Rules utterly biased account is an insult to investigative journalism and there seems to be very reasonable doubt here. And I care about the lack of evidence. But I am realistic. I went on ebay and ordered multiple stuff from the 80s, news footage, just to hear what she sounded like, because of all the talk in the book about her demeanor. A. And to make her story believable, she shot a round in her arm before going to the hospital, claiming that she was a victim of a terrible carjacking. I am sorry the meaning of nonsense evades you like the facts of the case in this instance. People have always been wondering about Steve Downs, Danie Downs ex-husband. I changed the sites email recently to thetroublewithjustice@hotmail.com Meaning a trial where lying or failing to disclose exculpatory evidence by prosecutors is not happening. Not exclusively a USA trait, this happens also in many countries, but in a technologically advanced superpower like USA this attitude is more shocking, and maybe also more worldwide spread. So the prosecutor adopted the kids? Click to listen to podcast explaining the gun test, Dianes mental condition and the lack of forensic evidence. Found the internet! The diagnosis of the psychiatrist for the state is also clearly documented. I worked for county child welfare services in Colorado for a decade. I am not one sided. What about the judge stopping a defendant from getting a new attorney? It is said that they didnt go to Steve because he wasnt a fit father or well equipped to take care of children who had gone through such a traumatic experience. What happened to Diane Downs ex-husband? It would be about November 20th that you would have gone back with Charlene, what, the next day? 20 Celeb Parents Who've Lost Custody Of Their Children - BabyGaga I cant believe anyone even believes or even follows you. Hed left his first wife to co-habitate with (and later marry) Charlene. As for Diane, give me a break. And the fact that Tracy wrote in his notes that Christies reaction could have been excitement to see her mom but they decided to only mention extreme fear? Conflict of interest on steroids!! Diane doesnt believe Rebecca is her daughter, rather a media puppet ran by Rule. I am a Mortuary science student, true crime fanatic, and have been following the Downs case since it happened. 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". She was extremely intelligent but her emotional IQ was no match and her desire for freedom, love and affection were dangerously dragging her down a path of self-destruction. In 1992 I became involved in this work following my interest and research into a notorious murder trial that was held in Oregon many years ago. Sometimes it takes until late in life for connections to be made again. Diane asked for proof that her ex husband was behind the shooting. They are the ones who considered Dianes children as Small Sacrifices. you quoted what diane said as to what happened When she resisted, he shot her kids and struggled with her. Late Tom Billings had been the first who openly questioned Diane Downs guilt. Or can have an accomplice. The first two children were Diane's kids with her ex husband Steve Downs. The states own witness, Dr. George Suckow and Dr. Polly Jamison denounced Prosecutor Hugis practice as improper and unethical (Appendix 101 and 104). 15 Things Parents Didn't Know Could Cause Them To Lose Custody - BabyGaga Lets also remember that this is the US of A and we dont lock people up for being narcissistic, antisocial histrionic individuals. No. But I am more than willing to review any new info. As a result, he decided not to attend the rest of the trial. CK allowed DD to drive away despite the fact she could identify him and he had a gun? Offers may be subject to change without notice. You cant possibly shake off all the gun powder residue and avoid all the blood. If she was such a manipulative person, she would not be in prison for life, would she? Just my opinion. What got her convicted was two things the towel and Christie. http://www.glamour.com/story/i-found-out-my-mother-was-a-killer-the-rebecca-babcock-story. 6. However, their marriage wasnt as great as they anticipated as Steve was a player and quite irresponsible and immature at the time. Downs was constantly provoked by inmates because of the nature of her situation, and she never once attacked or defended herself in a violent manner. That hurt our family deeply. Thanks for the link. So either way, it would not be so far fetched that someone said he was the shooter.A little investigation would not hurt. Knick never signed the premarital agreement and Diane never married him. In 1979, headstrong Diane gave birth to Danny who was not Stevens biological son because he had no desire to be a father again. I encourage you to read all the facts before being so sure that she was guilty or that she acted alone. Jennifer Hudson didn't lose custody of her son David Jr. because she was an unfit parent, but rather because her work commitments meant she had to temporarily relocate to film The Voice UK. The cops admitted that they never investigated the tips about a bushy haired stranger. The detective said if Diane would just testify against Steve Downs, she and her children could go home and try to put their lives back together. 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. Guilty or not, the case was handled with prejudice and many errors occurred. There was never a real motive for the crime even if the State insisted that Diane wanted to be free to pursue her love interest; using her journals to support theirclaim. Then, they accused her of shooting her kids at close range. Also, he has never given television interviews about his family or ex-wife, who is now serving time in prison. ANNE RULES BOOK IS A LIE, ,ALL MADE UP CRAP. They should have had ongoing contact and been placed with family as soon as they were out of the hospital and they never should have been interviewed without their own attorney (Guardian ad Litem) present. Christie Downs was eight-years old when she was injured and nine-years old when she testified. All the reports and even the warden thought she was not a threat anymore. I never found a photo of James C. Jagger online. Only the people who present ongoing threats to the safety of the public in general are the ones this sentence is reserved for. Plus according to an expert at trial, her testimony did not match the blood spatter analysis in the car. You said yourself that the title was revealing. Not giving you free reign here. I care about what was said at trial. It was never a slam dunk. .well yay for youtubelol..is when I first heard her in old interviews. So there was a transfer, but nothing else was found. Removing the children from her and presiding over her criminal trial? statement regarding the effects of the childrens medications while in hospital should acknowledge where the blogger obtained information about the side effects.). Downs wanted to get rid of the kids because her new boyfriend didn't want . If you use this mixed water, you can lift off a gunpowder stain.. Whats next? I must humbly admit that I had not questioned the facts of the case before readily accepting this image of Diane as a cold blooded killer. It was such a high profile case and she was found guilty by the media and the court so people are afraid to touch this one. 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. Id have more influence arguing for better relationships with Mexico at a Donald Trump rally in Mexico. I actually do not know what really happened. So it was a relentless game totry to reel her in. You are telling me to take my smugness elsewhere because it is tiresome. In her book Heart Full of Lies, Rule took so many liberties with the facts that Liysa Northon sued her. Copyright 2023 Distractify. The tape is real and probably not admissible, but it seems to indicate that her testimony was coerced. The best policy for Diane Downs would have been to remain silent, but she fought back and smiled at the wrong time and according to them, enjoyed the attention. They played the tape in the courtroom, and the fact that Diane did not break down but tapped her foot to the music, was supposed to be another proof of her guilt. This blogger believes in the presumption of innocence and in the possibility of redemption. Pay attention: Become TUKO.co.ke ambassador get a branded T-shirt, hoodie or water bottle at our TUKO Shop! She is currently in prison, serving her life sentence for the murder of one of her kids and attempted murder for the other two. Diane described the stranger that shot them on the road and a police artist came up with a sketch. Diane had spent three days in the hospital ingesting massive doses of Morphine, Demerol, Percodan, and visterol. In what world is that O.K. They were treated very badly in this matter. It was not the right gun. What about the fact that they never found the gun? It means you dont orphan the kids. Caught in the act, Hugi declared that Christie only said that because she was pressed for an answer. If I included the ones I dont post, it would need more than a like or dislike button. If it doesnt matter to you, it should. After each of the kids was shot multiple times on that fateful day in 1983, Steve cooperated with the police completely. So imagine when you are troubled to begin with. And if she did it, she has served her time without displaying any violent tendencies whatsoever. Why didnt they mention that he said a bad man and whatever else in his condition when they knew it was not possible? The case of Diane Downs and her three children is one of those a horrible tragic case that people still think about 37 years later. 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. Thanks again. Steve was among the few individuals who saw Elizabeth Diane as a beautiful young lady rather than an outsider. By many accounts, her children adored her. Hugi did not want that. Wow. Robert and Diane even decided toget matching rose tattoos, but as soon as the ink on her tattoo was dry, he refused to get his done. The two older kids were Diane's with ex-husband Steve, however, Danny wasn't Steve's. This is to avoid the conflict of interest that we read about above. So, how much do you know about him aside from this acting profile? It probably was not salacious enough for her readers that she polled online to establish if there was enough interest in the story to fill her pockets with a definite blockbuster. But the Parole Board refused to hear her. According to Glamour, the motive given for why Diane shot her kids was thought to be because the married man she was seeing at the time did not want any children. Also Im curious as to how you feel her repeated escape attempts should affect her deserving to be on parole. No worries. It was flawed. 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. We dont know. This website supports restorative justice, so of course it leans towards sentences that are not life without parole if it is supported by a warden and mental health specialists. Is it the one you tried to use? Charlene would call Diane at all hours of the day and night to threaten violence if Diane continued on with her husband. I believe DDs case needs to be re looked at and all evidence reviewed. Diane now had the title of dangerous offender. 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. 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. Why did CK shoot the kids multiple times and DD once? When they recaptured her, she was very docile. No. But he overestimated the kind of people that would go along with this soap opera. On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane pulled over her car by the side of the road in Springfield, Oregon and shot her children multiple times with a 22-calibre pistol. I mean, yeah, I can see the no contact order with Diane. 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. But in the case of DD, there were a lot of elements missing. Diane was right-handed. They said so and were told to go back to deliberate. Its a fact. They were in foster care for two years before the prosecutor adopted them. This is a conflict of interest. He still shouldnt have been allowed to adopt them while the appeals process was ongoing, if he had any role in those cases. Posted by October 30, 2021 apush gilded age test on why didn't steve downs get custody The way it was. Of course, her mental health has deteriorated. it also isnt right that the rules get to keep being changed after the fact as far as how often one may apply for parole. I think it would give the blog more integrity and transparency. The answers to those questions do not matter anymore. I go fishing with a jurors husband. Diane Downs' Children Now: Christie, Danny & Becky Today Ms. Downs makes every effort to avoid emotional stimuli in order to reduce the demands made on her. 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. And she laughed at it by saying it was healthy to want to join the free world, especially if you proclaim your innocence. If the police department had done their job properly, I would not have written this blog, no matter the outcome. The way this investigation and the trial were conducted only left me with doubts. 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. Danny and Christie survived the attack while middle child, Cheryl, died from her injuries at the time. Do you remember probably about four or five days after Jesus Ortiz Paz's parents, net worth, wife, and daughter. This whole case is flawed. You read a few comments. In a fairly good knot which would have taken time to do one handed and teeth. It seems that not being American might help us view the case and Rules narrative with more objectivity. did he have eyes in the back of his head.???? 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. But there is forensic evidence pointing to Diane Downs. Shes where she belongs. Don't get butt hurt. I have no idea how the social workers and county attorneys justified doing their due diligence in preserving the family (mandated by law) when they were in court. I try to bring out the details that were ignored because Down was so unpopular. 'Leave It to Beaver' star Tony Dow explains why he wasn't allowed to Diane Downs was convicted because she didn't appear "sorry enough" during her TV appearances. Same with her brother. Christie and Danny have no contact with their father, and they have completed their education. She had not fired a gun. Yes, like many Americans, I think that the US system is barbaric. A conviction founded on lies is no conviction at all. Page 50 of Case History. And of course, she added her own brand of paranoia, which is to be expected considering her personality disorder and what she went through. Her mom is still alive and would love to have contact but respect that they wont. 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. Within a few weeks, the kids who had survived were placed in protective custody and were no longer in Steve's care. It wasnt until Prosecutor Hugi said Dr. Jamison had labeled Diane a deviant sociopath that Mr. This was very stressful. Diane clearly would have had to have had her rights terminated by the court. The powers that be knew they had nothing on Diane so Christie became their sacrificial lamb. I care about the experts reports written about Diane because they know her situation and mental state. Of course I saw movie first, then read the bookI wanted more, sadly early Internet days, there wasnt much out there, as far as info or video, picturesnothing really. I've just seen that in Halo's new tv series, Steve Downes isn't going to voice master chief. Justice is all that is left. Instead of blaming societal problems and working at finding solutions, prison always seem to be their option. So, what happened to the children's father? 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. I think that looked at through a more objective lens, many aspects of the Downs case are highly questionable. is this a reason??? Her attorney, James Jagger, did a poor job for Diane. Dianewas jealous ofthe other woman, but Robert Knickerbockers wife said that she foundher rather friendly during their encounter.