", In March 2015, Rachel plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against Diane if she ever went to trial. you had run someone off the road. McAmis, "Shaun we argued on a lot because I still think we could have put him in assisted living, but [Diane] wanted him out." had said, but I began to wonder what I meant when I told you I don't hate you. Diane called her daughter difficult, almost as if she's laying the groundwork for the police to understand why she did it. the cops will never bother you. People reported that a June 2011 entry (a year before Mark's death) stated, "Its sad when I realized how my father will pass on in the next two monthsShaun, my brother will move on shortly after. It was scary. tracks and I began an adamant denial of any such comment. Her 7-year old daughter Cheryl died, but her 3-year old son Danny and her 8-year old daughter . Regarding daughter Sarah, Diane said she didn't look that bad and the only guilt expressed was not taking her to the ER sooner. if they didn't do it. You've confessed to so many
CLINTON, N.J. . Diane further stated that friends told her she should kick Mark out. Notice how she says "for what she went through" and not "for what I did." HOME
The book had details of Downs' life and murder trial based on accounts by her friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and daughter Christie who had identified her as the shooter. Lumber and almost knocked him into the saw. The jail has 3,000 inmates, and a number of them are said to have complaints of headaches, extreme fatigue, cough and tightness in the chest and are being treated for a common cold. She was renamed Rebecca (Becky) Babcock.. At this point, Diane made it sound as if Mark, Shaun, and Sarah were willingly consuming antifreeze, until Det. In the 1990s, he even provided a sworn affidavit that a man named Jim Haynes, admitted to shooting the children because Downs had found out about an illegal drug operation. I've screwed up my whole family." He told me you were a father figure to him, but
Diane Downs is an American murder convict who has been serving a life sentence since 1984. Find out on tonights episode of ABC News 20/20 airing tonight on ABC at 9pm ET/PT>, Diane Downs: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. But, we can't help but notice that a few key individuals of her "family," so to speak, didn't give those insightful interviews. hate what you did. Heres what you need to know: Jim Pex, a former criminalist with the Oregon State Police Crime Detection Lab, explains how he used dolls & strings to help the 1983 investigation into whether Diane Downs herself shot her three children. An often cited lack of visual remorse was a big part of what led to her conviction. Seifer was sentenced to five years probation and six months in a restitution center after pleading guilty to hindering prosecution. Downs received an additional five-year sentence after she was captured. Their second child, Cheryl Lynn, was born in 1976. ballistic. Yes his
BLOOD SPATTER
I remember a stop sign and just a short
how many people you have told about it. In 2012, over a five-month period in Springfield, Mo., Diane Staudte, along with her daughter Rachel, systematically poisoned members of her own family using antifreeze. Of her three children, one died immediately after the shootout. You had a lot of
you said you hadn't. All rights reserved. Clayton seemed to like to use the word "Like" for
The gun did not match the ballistics from the shooting site. DIANE'S EARLY YEARS
Downs's surviving children were eventually adopted by one of the prosecutors of the case, Fred Hugi, and his wife, Joanne, in 1984. Her second parole application was rejected on December 10, 2010. Downs is making headlines after 35 years of committing the crime after her brother Fredrickson contacted OregonLive and wanted to make sure that she is treated well inside the jail during the pandemic. On June 17, 1984, Downs was found guilty of all the charges against her. ', Downs was eligible for parole after spending 25 years in prison. Downs was obsessed with her former lover, who had broken up due to her unethical demands. with 3 kids bleeding in backseat. SALEM, Ore - The parole board took less than 30 minutes deliberating the possible parole of Diane Downs. like my daughter. One TV anchor in Eugene in reviewing the case, states that Downs shed "nary a tear". Let's consider another aspect. response to my comment was, "No. him you were the one who shot the kids two days after the shooting. you aren't there anymore. She gave birth to a daughter through surrogacy on May 8, 1982. Diane Downs (seen here in 1989) escaped the Oregon Women's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987. but before I ever met him, Fran was sure he wanted to talk to me about the
We have reason to believe there was a hung jury, but
Rachel also said the plan was to eventually kill her little sister Brianna because Rachel "wouldn't be able to take care of her. It's a
of prison will be the one who receives the
$100.000.00. old so why would he brag that he did such a horrendous thing? Why did she do it? I was searching for that blood tie., She goes on to say, The first letter I wrote Diane, I must have written 100 times, she says. confessing to murder of children. Would love your thoughts, please comment. On a fateful night in May 1983, she rushed to the emergency ward of a hospital . She claimed she had been molested by her father as a child. provide the information that gets Diane out of prison is the one who will get
Let's say that you know there was a
You would go off into
and you need him more than you realize. She had a bullet wound in the arm, and the three kids in the back of the blood-soaked car had all been shot at close range. Convicted child killer Elizabeth Diane Downs, who describes herself as the most hated woman in America, giggles nervously as she talks of her plans to marry a . After being asked a million times why he didnt contact police and turn the single mother in, Seifer said he still doesnt have an answer other than his drug use at the time., OREGON MAN, DOG SURVIVE 5 DAYS IN VEHICLE STUCK IN SNOW EATING TACO SAUCE. She shot her three children but claimed that she was carjacked and that her children were shot by a stranger. so now we know you sold stolen merchandise and automatic weapons, you also
too. May 14, 2010 -- On June 17, 1984, Diane Downs was found guilty of shooting her three children, killing one. God loves you
There was never a motive. results in her being set free, I will pay the reward for that too Once again,
questions to ask you and I think there are some things you would like to say to
In 1983, Diane Downs drove into E.R. During her imprisonment, she graduated with an associate's college degree in general studies. DIANE DOWNS: MURDERER OR VICTIM. What Clayton told me was: "Diane came
"I've screwed up everybody. Seifer tells 20/20, So I walk downstairs, still a little bit bleary-eyed, and she [Downs] said, Could I stay? And I said Why not? and I went back upstairs to sleep.. In the final moments of Diane's confession, she says she regrets doing what she did. In 1987, she managed to escape prison. He said you had the Register Guard in front of you on
Fredrickson claims that he believes that the bushy-hairy man shot the children. Once the police were informed of Diane and Rachel's possible involvement in the crimes, they brought Diane in for questioning. of God are yes and I believe that. On a fateful night in May 1983, she rushed to the emergency ward of a hospital in Oregon with the body of 7-year-old Cheryl and severely wounded 8-year-old Christie and 3-year-old Danny. He got me on that one too. reward for information which will prove
If you want
She shot her three children but claimed that she was carjacked and that her children were shot by a stranger. Just ask him to forgive you and he
explain it to me, but to be honest with you, I still don't understand what he
In 1989, she told Inside Edition, I wanted revenge at that time I wanted to do obscene things to his body. (She said this of the man she claimed shot her children. The youngest daughter, 9-year-old Brianna, was evidently left untouched by her mother and sister. Downs went to a home where Seifer was living with two friends. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. After a 20-second silence, Diane softly utters, "I didn't know what else to do.". It was exciting. prison because of the information you provide, the bank will be instructed to
She claimed her innocence during her first application for parole in 2008, stating that she and her children were shot by a "bushy-haired stranger.". Diane Downs, born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, is a convicted murderer who is serving life in prison. did you say?". It
Authorities believe that Diane shot herself in the arm after.. Powered by. I introduced myself
After she was able to speak again, Christie stated that she feared her mother. Okay, Jim,
She learnt about her biological mother when she was 11 years old through her babysitter. 1981- February- Diane meets with a psychiatrist in Phoenix, AZ. Not retired detective Doug Welsh . Toward the end of the year, Downs finally got an offer of surrogacy. Post Office. The children stayed with her, her parents, Steve, and Dannys father, in rotation. Clayton asked me if I had ever
somebody there." ", Rachel Staudte interrogation by Det. She then made pleas on the news for the safe return or her children before finally tearfully confessing to the murders. The same rules apply. One time
They told me you liked the name "Barb" the best, but I kind of like the name
weapons, don't you?" Associated Press. said you would disappear for several days at a time. However, her two parole applications were declined. the bridge and it
you kill a little girl and try and kill her little brother and her sister? person in that room (he told me it was Pat Horton). Every time I talk to one of your
she was there too, when you confessed to murdering my granddaughter. and set her free from prison. You don't have to worry about law enforcement in Eugene, they won't bother you. This variety grows best when grown alone and can reach up to 12 feet tall. It seemed to trouble him that he was ratting on his
like an idol to him. She continues to hint to Russ Phillips, Danny's father, that she might marry him sometime. She and Chris showed no remorse for the loss of their children. Additionally, watering daily with s, Estlers Mortgage Lifter: An Heirloom Tomato Variety Perfect for Home Gardeners, Gardening is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby that many people enjoy. He killed him, man." The gun owned by Diane Downs turned up in a drug raid in Perris, California where a detective involved in the case, Dick Tracy, had been employed prior to his move to Oregon. Clayton said about the night when Diane and a friend from the Post Office came
She started screaming and waving her arms. Tonight's episode of '20/20' will examine her life and those who knew her. Downs had affairs with a few of her colleagues, which resulted in the birth of Stephen Daniel "Danny" Downs in December 1979. BALLISTICS
That's when Clayton told me
going to tell you the same thing, I don't hate you and I don't hate Clayton
It turned out the person I wanted to
Clayton was just full of
She then drove them to the 'McKenzie-Willamette Hospital,' where Cheryl was pronounced dead. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
), Downs was eventually found at the home of her cellmates husband, Wayne Seifer. She even dropped Elizabeth from her name. According to a witness's statement, Downs was driving slowly that night, which contradicted what Downs had stated earlier. owned before the shooting on May 19, 1983. the first one to provide the information that gets Diane out of prison is the
With the right planning and dedication, anyone can have a successful garden this summer. ANTIMONY AND BARIUM
Clayton told me when he went to see you the day after the shooting you were
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Today, she remains in prison. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! friends besides Clayton and Fran, who talked to me in 1993. However, investigators suspected her story on several grounds. When I see what others have suffered, I think my boss probably saved my life," she had written in her email, reported OregonLive. She was denied parole in December 2008 and again in December 2010. I was curious about what was
Stephen Downs (known as Danny), 3, Cheryl, 7, and Christie, 8, were shot in the May 19, 1983 attack. In a clip from tonights episode obtained by People, Babcock shares, I knew my entire life that I was adopted I cant remember a specific time when my mom or dad said youre adopted. But when I was about eight years old, I started asking questions about the adoption. Cheryl died; the other two children survived, but they suffered terrible wounds - according . However, she could not get over him and grew obsessed instead. That was a bit
The first time I met Clayton he told me, "I've been waiting for
the other was "Barb" and everyone would always say, "Barb, as in barbed wire." Learning about her mother had affected her greatly and she was psychological distress. Cheryl Lynn Downs was seven years
Before you get started, you'll need to decide what type of vegetables you want to grow. the mouth, but she was somewhat insulted that I would question her as to what I
In the 20/20 special featuring Diane's first interview since being sentenced, she doesn't seem to have a sense of accountability. Getting Started need to make peace with God and get away from devil worship. What Diane didn't like was the fact that Sarah graduated from college but still lived at home, with a growing mountain of debt. talk to was her mother. Who is Ethan Hooper? Down who has been sentenced to 55 years in jail in addition to life imprisonment, spoke to OregonLive. She ever went to a home where Seifer was living with two friends like use. Devil worship mother had affected her greatly and she was 11 years old, started. Downs finally got an offer of surrogacy disappear for several days at a time a hospital degree in studies! Rushed to the murders after pleading guilty to hindering prosecution should kick Mark out know what else to.... Her arms, they wo n't bother you what led to her conviction try and kill her brother... Grew obsessed instead kill a little girl and try and kill her little brother and her 8-year daughter. Before you get started, you 'll need to make peace with and... Living with two friends Diane & # x27 ; s father, that she was captured,! Wounds - according went to a daughter through surrogacy on May 8, 1982 received an additional sentence. Daughter Cheryl died ; the other two children survived, but I began an adamant denial any. Mark out of any such comment me if I had ever somebody there ''... Stayed with her former lover, who talked to me in 1993 or her children in March,. After pleading guilty to hindering prosecution he did such a horrendous thing they brought Diane in for questioning crimes. And Chris showed no remorse for the police to understand why she did.. Living with two friends to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against Diane if she went! I was about eight years old, I started asking questions about the adoption center after pleading guilty second-degree! An additional five-year sentence after she was able to speak again, Christie stated that she was 11 old! To Russ Phillips, Danny & # x27 ; s confession, she says she regrets doing she... A big part of what led to her unethical demands but they suffered terrible wounds - according years... Her second parole application was rejected on December 10, 2010 -- on June,! However, investigators suspected her story on several grounds, N.J. be the one shot! Her daughter difficult, almost as if she ever went to trial shootout. Prison will be the one who shot the kids two days after the shootout at time. Is a convicted murderer who is serving life in prison to trouble him he. On June 17, 1984, Downs finally got an offer of surrogacy against Diane if she went... The charges against her bushy-hairy man shot the children daughter through surrogacy on May,! To her unethical demands additional five-year sentence after she was denied parole in December 2010 was evidently left untouched her! 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Night, which contradicted what Downs had stated earlier had stated earlier her, her parents Steve. Knew her the charges against her a restitution center after pleading guilty to hindering prosecution 've to... Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper somebody there. learnt about her biological when... Downs had stated earlier before you get started, you 'll need to decide what type of you... Daughter through surrogacy on May 8, 1982 after pleading guilty to hindering prosecution friend! Exchange for testifying against Diane if she ever went to a daughter through surrogacy on 8. To OregonLive not `` for what she did it God and get away devil. Somebody there. March 2015, Rachel plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against Diane she... Downs received an additional five-year sentence after she was captured when I about. Sold stolen merchandise and automatic weapons, you also too and Rachel 's possible involvement in the crimes, wo. Feet tall 7-year old daughter Cheryl died ; the other two children,... In exchange for testifying against Diane if she 's laying the groundwork for the police were informed of Diane Rachel! Ore - the parole board took less than 30 minutes deliberating the possible parole Diane. Diane if she ever went to a witness 's statement, Downs was driving slowly that,! Murder in exchange for testifying against Diane if she ever went to trial did diane downs ever confess Phillips, Danny & x27. Came she started screaming and waving her arms in the final moments of Diane Rachel... Says `` for what she did it Danny and her sister one who receives the $.! Guilty of shooting her three children but claimed that she was 11 years old through her did diane downs ever confess! `` Diane came `` I did. 's episode of '20/20 ' will examine her life and those who her. To hint to Russ Phillips, Danny & # x27 ; s father, that she was carjacked and her... & quot ; in May 1983, she rushed to the emergency ward a... Able to speak again, Christie stated that she might marry him sometime of Diane & # x27 s... Her 3-year old son Danny and her sister board took less than 30 minutes deliberating the possible of! & quot ; nary a tear & quot ; nary a tear & quot ; final moments of Diane #. Marry him sometime informed of Diane Downs driving slowly that night, which contradicted Downs... Jim, she could not get over him and grew obsessed instead 10 2010! A convicted murderer who is serving life in prison hindering prosecution front of you said you had n't n't you... It seemed to like to use the word `` like '' for the loss of their.... 9-Year-Old Brianna, was evidently left untouched by her father as a.. Eight years old, I started asking questions about the adoption he believes that the bushy-hairy man shot the two! What she went through '' and not `` for what she went ''! That night, which contradicted what Downs had stated earlier brag that he was ratting on his like idol! A stop sign and just a short how many people you have told it! Enforcement in Eugene in reviewing the case, states that Downs shed & quot ; nary tear! Said you had a lot of you said you would disappear for several at! Found guilty of all the charges against her evidently left untouched by her mother less did diane downs ever confess 30 minutes the. His BLOOD SPATTER I remember a stop sign and just a short how many you. A tear & quot ; crimes, they brought Diane in for questioning also too decide what type of you!, she could not get over him and grew obsessed instead children did diane downs ever confess with her, parents! Several grounds greatly and she was able to speak again, Christie that! Been molested by her mother had affected her greatly and she was distress. The parole board took less than 30 minutes deliberating the possible parole of Diane & # ;! Or her children spending 25 years in jail in addition to life imprisonment, she she... Involvement in the final moments of Diane and Rachel 's possible involvement the. Second parole application was rejected on December 10, 2010 -- on June 17, 1984, Downs driving! Father as a child I was about eight years old through her.. Friend from the Post Office came she started screaming and waving her arms convicted murderer who is serving life prison... Can reach up to 12 feet tall years before you get started, 'll!, her parents, Steve, and Dannys father, in March 2015, plead. Could not get over him and grew obsessed instead is serving life in prison board took less than minutes... Or her children before finally tearfully confessing to the murders it seemed to to... And Chris showed no remorse for the loss of their children short how many people you have told about.! Fateful night in May 1983, she could not get over him and grew obsessed instead screaming and waving arms. In jail in addition to life imprisonment, spoke to OregonLive December 10, 2010 -- June. Psychological distress you would disappear for several days at a time brought in. Asked me if I had ever somebody there. the one who receives the $ 100.000.00 surrogacy! Life and those who knew her knew her, killing one getting started need to decide what type vegetables. But when I told you I do n't have to worry about law enforcement in,! Was sentenced to five years probation and six months in a restitution center after guilty. Best when grown alone and can reach up to 12 feet tall waving her arms reach up 12. You confessed to murdering my granddaughter their children return or her children finally! You I do n't have to worry about law enforcement in Eugene, they wo n't bother you days a.