From what Ive read, she gets a parole hearing every decade and the next time in 2030 she will be 75. 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? A very reasonable request that was rejected. We had a thoughtful jury that examined the evidence over four days. Any thoughts on how the detectives basically made up their mind right away in spite of numerous tips coming in? The gun problem or the absence of blood and powder residues are not make believe. In 2008, a psych evaluation by L. Williams, Ph.D., Chief of Mental Health at Valley State Prison for Women, explained Dianes lack of emotions and its relationship to her case. The car was splattered with blood, but Diane had none on her. They had him micromanaged, and with the testimony of little Christie they were in business. She found out who her biological mother was when she was 11 years old, ABC reported. And on this site, I mention that I take a restorative approach. And her mental health should definitely have been a factor to release her with follow up care. 20/20s coverage of Diane Downs and the actions that led her to be sentenced to life in prison is a good portrayal of what really happened. They were in a difficult situation becausewithout evidence, they could notcharge her for the crime. But before you get too deep into the drug stuff with Van Houten, she chose to take drugs. 4. Thanks again. Her flat affect is even more pronounced now and it did her in at the time, but she was lucid enough to clearly see that Rule and the media used Becky for their personal gain. why didn't steve downs get custody. Seems to me that if that part of the story were true, and she really wanted to find her childrens shooter, she would have provided that information. I dont disagree, I just think it is another example of flaws in our justice system. They said so and were told to go back to deliberate. You read a few comments. I do not declare her innocent. Diane had siblings and parents. In Oregon, in 1983, she shot her 3 children, 1 daughter died. Meaning a trial where lying or failing to disclose exculpatory evidence by prosecutors is not happening. My opposition to movies about true crime stories is unshakable. One could argue that this blog does not stick to what came out at trial. Im all for justice, reviewing facts and overturning corrupt decisions. However, their marriage wasnt as great as they anticipated as Steve was a player and quite irresponsible and immature at the time. And he grew up there. This is a scenario pretty hard to believe, but as they say, reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction. In fact, if someone was Hungry like the Wolf in this courtroom, it was a certain crime author who could already smell and taste the fortune coming her way after the publication of this juicy story. These women did not show emotions and did not fold when asked to. Diane had met all the requirements to be paroled. I appreciate the way you dont try to determine guilt or innocence in your blogs but instead focus on due process and the right of all to a fair trial. She functions best in highly structured environments where she has a sense of control. It is normally done (in fact in many jurisdictions, can ONLY be done) by going through the process in a different state or county then the one the applicant works with. Now Diane Downs did not say any of this, but told a hard to believe story, and then changed it from one to two masked guys, etc. No other shooter involved in her case. How was DD able to get away from CK and get the keys back into the ignition without there being more attempts on her life? Hugi did not want that. I hope she is granted parole. It became more about despising Diane Downs than investigating fairly. It had nothing to do with the evidence of the case and represents useless labeling anyway. I know several foster parents and social workers. Diane was right-handed. He didn't indicate whether Downs would appeal. The child was adopted and was later named Rebecca. This case certainly had its share of circumstantial evidence. They should have stayed out of it instead of contributing to her revictimization. Thats the point. I've just seen that in Halo's new tv series, Steve Downes isn't going to voice master chief. If they could not find the gun or any trace of a shooting on Diane, and you think shes guilty, it would mean she had an accomplice. However, in 1980, the couple divorced. But I will answer the points you raised about the blog. 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. 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. Thank you Lise. Diane Downs changed her story so many times, even at her parole hearing. As for where he is now, well be honest, were not completely sure. She signed an affidavit to that effect and wanted the jury informed of it but it was never done. Steve Downs' wife had become ignorant of her children and often left them with her parents or ex-husband. The implication was not only cruel, in the light of what Diane was suffering, it was also clear. He has lived a life outside the public eye and hasn't ever come out to give interviews to the media about his ex-wife. The men in her life were in no shape or form called on their irresponsible or wild behavior. She managed to jump in the car after getting shot in the arm. And she should be allowed parole! It was one of the most disturbing stories I've watched. You do not have to agree with my general opinion outside of the facts of the case, but I would appreciate some comments on what matters; how this case was handled at trial and during the investigation. So there was a transfer, but nothing else was found. 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. She even became a surrogate mother to make money and provide two parents the opportunity to have a child. The detective said to leave that up to the police. No gun, no blood or gun residue on her and if she shot them, these elements should have been there. It was pitch black outside. It is not my point. Whats wrong with the system is whats wrong with us. As a result, he decided not to attend the rest of the trial. Many attribute the conviction of Downs to the arrival of author Ann Rule at Downs' trial. 3) You have a photo of Diane before the parole board. Dilantin is known to cause mental confusion and you can check it online, but consider the dosage she was on and it needs no clarification. she flat out says, they are saying Duran Duran made her shoot her kids!..Im like HUHOkay now this is my favorite groupstill is at 44yrs old.I had to investigate this. Some of your facts arent facts at all. Why did they let her daughter testify when she could not know who shot her and said so incessantly until they made her say what they wanted? The notes taken daily by the nurses became a point of contention at trial. She did diagnose her as suffering from cyclothymic disorder and treated her accordingly. Not speculative? The blog tries to bring balance and more objectivity to a case that was TOTALLY one sided and still is. Downs wanted to get rid of the kids because her new boyfriend didn't want . Van Houten has made her choices and needs to own up to her actions and stop putting all the blame on drugs and Manson. 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. This blogger apparently believes anything she hears to support her inaccurate theory that Diane Downs was falsely accused and convicted. You need real evidence in court. Her case was too public and they are afraid of public backlash. Diane Frederickson was born August 7, 1955 in Phoenix, Arizona. Danny was the product of an affair. They had their second child, Cheryl Lynn, in 1976, followed by Stephen Danial, born in 1979. Most get through it fine, maybe some complications or pain, maybe even some post pardum. This blog is riddled with inconsistencies, suppositions and a lack of the most basic referencing (e.g. He is in his 70s now and his photo is not on his linkedin or anywhere I could find. ?.the fact you are ignoring something SO OBVIOUS is a red flag. As she walked away, Detective Welch called after her, If you dont testify against Steve, youre going to lose everything. Diane turned back to say, Show me proof, and walked away. He strung her along, played with both womens emotions, and after saying he would join her in Oregon, reneged and stayed with his wife. This was ridiculed countless times in the media, but frankly, it can be a very honorable endeavor, depending onhow you want to look at it. That poor girl. 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. Diane, of her own admission, had plenty of affairs while she worked at the Post Office. Is it too late to respond to this? Diane Downs was one of the most infamous murderers of the 1980s; the emotionally flat blonde was convicted of shooting her three children, killing one of them, along a roadway in Springfield,. Diane Downs was convicted because she didn't appear "sorry enough" during her TV appearances. So appropriate! This is what Mrs Downs had to say about the situation. He freely admitted HE decided to ask for a divorce on his birthday without consulting Diane, who was out of town By the time the incident had happened, it seems as if the two had parted ways . The tragedy that hit the Downs' kids changed their whole life. Here are the pros and cons of sole legal custody. The diagnosis of the psychiatrist for the state is also clearly documented. I think DD is guilty, but I also think her trial was far from due process, and that is the important issue. 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. Instead, the person accused of attacking them and wanting them out of her life, fought for them. Wow does he ever look different than how they portrayed him in the TV movie. She was not in the car when her children were shot. Copyright 2023 Distractify. What about the facts of the case? The fact that they used her daughter and lied about the gun they could never find makes it a wrongful conviction. In the blog, there is a link on the subject of bipolar people who tend to laugh at the wrong time. Are you looking for more information about Ryan Eggold? During a trial, we have to go with evidence only. Do not take this so personally. Fred Hugi was pretty upset when Ann Rule went Hollywood with his case. Steve knew Danny was not his biological child and left Downs. She was harshly judged because of her demeanor. A fair trial is a right in this country, not a judicial suggestion. Leaving out a lot of info that should be included and presenting a very one sided take on these things. 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. Her release was recommended by a warden and a psychiatrist. 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 Guilt or innocence no longer need to be debated in this case. The previous video you sent me shows a Jagger pretty animated and involved in the defense of his client. How.. they attacked him. I am so tired of the victims being forgotten. Considering that the marks on the lethal bullets did not fit the bullet fingerprinting found in the rifle, this gun switcheroo was a good save for the state, but did not support the theory presented at trial either. But there was a lot left unsaid about this relationship. 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. I also found it interesting that when he had visited Diane in prison, he had remarked a strange air about her; which did not mean guilt. Diane, 18, had run away from home to do so. Just my opinion. So if we started judging people harshly for their flaws, it would never end. Yes, Christie said she did not know who did it. Belli filed a motion for a 2-week extension to familiarize himself with the case because he had to be in Italy, and declared Diane innocent in a press conference, but Foote denied the motion and declared you have an attorney, use him.. Except for Paul Cortez. 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. 1st, you came back from a trip? 4.Diane was NOT arrested for almost a year after the shootings the d.a. As soon as Diane was found guilty, Hugi demanded that Diane be evaluated by a psychiatrist before sentencing so they could declare her a dangerous offender and give her a stiffer sentence. I mean if a guy admits to killing children over and over, shouldnt we pay attention to that? 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. I am not biased. Just state that at the beginning of the blog. Nobody near to help. Do you remember probably about four or five days after The photo of Hugi I used is the one you find when you do a search online for Fred Hugi who prosecuted Diane Downs. Were they involved in the plot too?? In one of them, he knew her name and in another one, she had answered a call and been told to meet someone. 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. It was the story of two troubled young souls trying to survive without a safety net. The judge instructed them to continue on to force a verdict. It is my hope that Leslie Van Houten and Diane Downs are never paroled. Theybrought out the big guns to unload on the public, their idea of the truth: Diane Downs was a horrible creature and a jilted lover who shot her three children in cold blood to be free to pursue a relationship with the man she was obsessed with. Danny said several times that a bad man shot them and it was written in the nurses notes, but never that his mother shot him. The jury verdict was guilty on all counts, but there was a mixture of votes. I dont understand how the family court managed to isolate 2 severely traumatized and grievously injured children from their entire family. 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. Those cases shouldnt have been in the same court let alone presided over by the same judge. Surprisingly, he accepted the new child and learned to love him dearly. They both would fall in love and decide they want to marry each other. If you want to defend Diane Downs, more power to you. Steven and Diane married on November 13, 1973. When analysing this blog, look at three statements from the blogger: Diane Downs and Alice Crummins were considered sluts I have watched her parole hearing. 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. This coercion came to Dianes attention in January 1989 (Appendix 39). Page 41 of case history. If Diane was bipolar, the non-stop chatter would have been inherent to the situation. If the police department had done their job properly, I would not have written this blog, no matter the outcome. Did CK shoot at car when DD drove away? 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. By the way, this not a Diane Downs is innocent blog. It is a lets examine the facts of the case with hindsight and try to explain some of the inconsistencies and the role of the media and crime writers. And lets wonder why the US think that letting people die in prison is the answer when most civilized countries have reached other conclusions. Being interested in a subject without bringing emotions to the table is always the most important step. I followed the trial. girl meets farm recipes broccolini, infinite objects shipping, bucks county homestead exemption,

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