Author Ann Rule chronicled Downs's life in her book 'Small Sacrifices,' published in 1987. I believe that too. Downs was convicted of shooting her three children: Danny, Cheryl, and Christie in Springfield, Oregon 37 years ago. person in that room (he told me it was Pat Horton). The book was adapted into a TV movie of the same name, aired in 1989. how many people you have told about it. Meanwhile, Christie Downs was slowly beginning to tell what she remembered of the shootings. The Diane Downs case is well-known and infamous; she's accused of shooting her three children along a roadway in Springfield, Oregon on May 19, 1983. confessing to murder of children. Because she didn't like her children. Several people told me you had a couple of nicknames. Susan Smith did confess and I believe showed remorse and deeply regretted what shed done. In the 20/20 special featuring Diane's first interview since being sentenced, she doesn't seem to have a sense of accountability. Downs escaped the Oregon Womens Correctional Center on July 11, 1987 after scaling the fence while guards were not looking. name is Wesley Frederickson and I am offering a Getting Started Fredrickson claims that he believes that the bushy-hairy man shot the children. Downs trial began on May 10, 1984, and lasted six weeks. Diane also suggests that perhaps she was poisoned and that she "can't rule it out.". There, they found Rachel's diary hidden in her closet. McAmis, Perhaps the most shocking revelation is the reason why Diane and Rachel brought Sarah to the hospital. The outlet reports that Steven accepted the child even though he was not the biological father. She's never confessed (that I know of) and NEVER shed a single tear or was even remotely emotional when talking about her kids. The child was later renamed Rebecca Babcock by her adoptive parents. That was a bit After her divorce in 1980, Downs had a string of affairs but simultaneously tried to reconcile with Steve. Now I'm not so sure I liked Clayton, but at least because you usually went around in your 'grubbies'. the cops will never bother you. He was Elizabeth Diane Downs, the convicted childkiller who escaped July 11, 1987 from the women's prison in Salem, Ore., is escorted out of state police he.Show more --- Suzanne Vlamis/AP, FILE Seifer said that he knew the police were eventually going to find Downs and that he'd get in trouble for it. Has she admitted to the killing? But, we can't help but notice that a few key individuals of her "family," so to speak, didn't give those insightful interviews. grandchildren must always be there in your mind. She gave birth to her fourth child in 1984, a month after her trial. She is currently lodged at the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, California. Their second child, Cheryl Lynn, was born in 1975. written to James Clair Haynes: We've met before, but we never had the opportunity to talk ever knew who could snort an eight-ball. You hold the key. However, her constant nagging, that he should leave his wife, suffocated Nick. Christie, her 8-year-old daughter, lost so much blood that she had a stroke,and her 3-year-old son, Danny, was paralyzed. She said she had not seen a male stranger that night. We have reason to believe there was a hung jury, but It was exciting. According to Diane, she was afraid that if she asked Mark to leave, he would kill himself. Recently, speaking to ABC, she said that her life is back on track and is really happy with the way her life has turned out. The paper was blank, but FBI lab tests revealed the indentation of the address of the house that someone had written on a piece of paper on top of the blank sheet, according to the Associated Press. each child. Currently, her daughter who was adopted by the Babcock family and rechristened Rebecca Babcock works as a behavioral health coordinator for children in Salem, Oregon. sooner hear it from you. to one of your drug parties. Would love your thoughts, please comment. I was nervous. We could have found some place else for her. Actor Farrah Fawcett portrayed Downs in the movie. Since you are telling everyone you owned before the shooting on May 19, 1983. Diane Downs shot her three sleeping children in 1983 and later told police a stranger attempted to carjack her and shot the kids. Clayton said about the night when Diane and a friend from the Post Office came Yes his She spoke out through an email sent to her brother James Fredrickson, who still believes his sister is innocent. I appreciate the affidavit he gave me. Diane is asked what she would say to Sarah, whose was permanently damaged after being poisoned. didn't know what the rich man's stuff was, so I had to ask. never done drugs in my life and so out of curiosity I asked if Mr. Horton was doing Methamphetamine and Clayton responded, "No, man. They eloped and got married on November 13, 1973. She did not follow through on her word, but still, the couple married in November 1973. was, "You told Jim Haynes you love him." Do Babcock and Downs continue to stay in contact? They told me you liked the name "Barb" the best, but I kind of like the name I have some things I need to say to you and some She was sentenced to life plus 50 years for the crimes. justice system put the right person in prison. One died, one was left paralyzed and one made a full recovery and testified in court against her mother. Ive always been so intrigued by Diane Downs in particular. No, I don't. Clayton that's when the trouble started because there was a very important She became pregnant, and in 1979, gave birth to Stephen Daniel Danny Downs. In Mark Chapter 11 Jesus said to have guy in prison, but we were the I-5 Bandits." He said it Legal Statement. His 1998 Death Is Still a Mystery, Here's an Update on Where Accused Sex Trafficker Peter Nygrd Is Now. Diane Downs (seen here in 1989) escaped the Oregon Women's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987. enforcement officials? 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. Rachel further said, "Sarah was equally unneeded. going to tell you the same thing, I don't hate you and I don't hate Clayton People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. It's a and set her free from prison. Where is Diane Downs today? She told Det. In the final moments of Diane's confession, she says she regrets doing what she did. I was a nervous wreck, you know. In 1986, the prosecutor in the case, Fred Hugi, and his wife, Joanne, adopted Christie and Danny Downs. In 1984, Downs was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. 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. (British Columbia) - On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane Downs and her three small children were shot on a country road near Springfield, Oregon. He One time Mulching is an effective way to keep the root zone cool and moist, while watering more frequently will also help keep the plant from getting too dry. PAGE There was never a motive. Christie later clearly stated that her mother, Downs, had shot them. Diane Downs, born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, is a convicted murderer who is serving life in prison. shooting. I got to where I liked Clayton and he was very helpful, 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. If you have the information the money is sitting in a bank waiting for you. nightmares? a confession and turn yourself in to the police. Additionally, no gunpowder residue was found on the driver's panel. I had a phone call from one of your old buddies yesterday so She left Steve and went to her parents. The day Diane walks free from In 1984, Downs was convicted and sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years. In 1987, Downs escaped prison by scaling the fence while guards werent looking, according to Fox News. She continues to hint to Russ Phillips, Danny's father, that she might marry him sometime. Despite her parents' disapproval, she continued the affair. She was sentenced to life imprisonment and was eligible for parole after 25 years of service. Clayton told me you were the only person he somebody there." that Diane Downs is innocent and will set her free from 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. and told her who I wanted to talk to. I knew what I When it came my time to burn, I was just going to tell the truth and get it over with, he said. Well that stopped me right there, because I "I didnt want another one to die in the house, she told McAmis, "because houses are nasty after somebodys died in it." It When questioned about Mark, Diane's knee-jerk response was that she didn't do it, but eventually admits to poisoning him as well. black belt in karate and he respected your skills. drdue1@hotmail.com, Why would James Haynes confess to his friends and family that he is the person Downs is said to have started feeling tired and sick with symptoms of coronavirus but opted to go on with her daily routine and reported to work every day. I'm still troubled about why you would shoot my little friends said he bragged about it I've screwed up my whole family." While Diane's confession was cold yet somewhat remorseful (even though she later said it was a false confession that was forced out of her), Rachel's confession was chilling. west. But in 1984, her second daughter Christie was brought to the court as a witness and she identified Downs as the person who had shot at them. He told me you were a father figure to him, but Young Indian Cop Collapses, Dies Suddenly While Exercising at Gym; Heart Attack Caused by Covid-19 Vaccine? Since she was 16, Downs was in a relationship with Steven Downs, whom she promised to stay loyal to while at Bible College. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. you said you hadn't. Eventually, Downs was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. ANTIMONY AND BARIUM ", Rachel Staudte interrogation by Det. To say these confessions are haunting is really not doing them justice, though justice is eventually served. In the Bible, it says that all the promises When they stayed with Downs, some neighbors reported that the children were not being taken care of properly. Why did friends, I think it's time for you to come forward and make a public confession Clayton told me you were a 7th degree strange thing that I didn't even know that Clayton had been married. All Rights Reserved. There's something else Clayton told me and friends, Jim Haynes is proud of what he did. conveyor belt at Roseburg Doesn't Recall Speaking With Mayor. the woods and hide. In 1987, she managed to escape prison. Her 7-year old daughter Cheryl died, but her 3-year old son Danny and her 8-year old daughter . Downs began a relationship with Steve Downs, whom she had met in high school. In court, Christie, who survived the shootings, said that her mother was the one who shot her and her siblings. ballistic. you kill a little girl and try and kill her little brother and her sister? [Diane] was very adamant that Sarah was just a burden. You've confessed to so many 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. If the truth is known, you have a problem with it That's where she is right now, behind bars, but this year, in 2020, there is a possibility of her being released on parole. the table with the composite right there in front of you. He also told me how you kicked some guy across a However, after that, she became a rebellious child. Diane Downs is an American murder convict who has been serving a life sentence since 1984. weapons, don't you?" Following this, Downs was convicted of murder and attempt to murder after the prosecutors argued that she was obsessed with a man who did not want kids and thus shot her children. At this point, the details come tumbling out of Diane. What about lies by witnesses in court? problem. Diane Downs was born on August 7, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona. Downs, too, was shot in her forearm. Post Office. The children stayed with her, her parents, Steve, and Dannys father, in rotation. Downs briefly attended Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in Orange, California but was forced to leave after just one year for "promiscuous behaviour". We didn't get perhaps I shouldn't be surprised at anything. But as . This may seem strange to you, but every day I pray that God will clear her name "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. The cops said the shooter held the gun from 0 to 6 inches from She then ran away from home and married husband, Steven Downs, in 1973, with whom she had . When he was interrogated, Nick revealed Downs's obsession with him. Their second child, Cheryl Lynn, was born in 1976. You know Jim, I've She gave birth to their first child, Christie Ann, in 1974. While Diane's confession was cold yet somewhat remorseful (even though she later said it was a false confession that was forced out of her), Rachel's confession was chilling. Notice how she says "for what she went through" and not "for what I did." It seemed to trouble him that he was ratting on his Cheryl Lynn Downs was seven years Go make your confession and said, "The cops will never bother me." DD and SS were both pursuing men who did not want to be involved with a woman who had children. and our The 64-years-old Downs said in the recent email that she is worried about her children Danny and Christie during the COVID-19 pandemic and also knows very well that they will never know how much she loves them. friends, Jim Haynes is proud of what he did. Clayton seemed to like to use the word "Like" for That must be why you tell your friends 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. In 1974, Downs gave birth to their first child, Christie. Later in 1989, the book was made into a TV movie released with the same title on ABC channel starring Farrah Fawcett as Downs. you aren't there anymore. Why would James Haynes confess to his friends and family that he is the person In fact, while asking questions, it almost sounds as if they're just two friends catching up. distance after that we were crossing over a small creek when he said, "Jim 'offed' It was scary. discuss why my prayers aren't being answered with my wife. She and Chris showed no remorse for the loss of their children. said you would disappear for several days at a time. Downs had been a suspect from the beginning. It will be tough getting used to the changes, the entry read, but everything will work out., Rachel apparently agreed to help poison her father, but had some reservations about killing Sarah and Shaun. There's something Clayton told me about the business you in shaking her butt around like she owned the place." She claimed she had been molested by her father as a child. After being captured, Downs received an additional five years in prison. Not hating someone is a step in the right direction, but it isn't loving them. She was recaptured and has gone on to be the subject of a book and made-for-TV movie. ), Downs was eventually found at the home of her cellmates husband, Wayne Seifer. will It's time for you to do what's right and let my daughter go free. She wanted to get rid of them so that she could be with Nick. Rachel also said the plan was to eventually kill her little sister Brianna because Rachel "wouldn't be able to take care of her. Downs's fourth child appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on October 22, 2010. You would go off into 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Clayton also told me you liked to dynamite mail boxes. (AP). to talk to me, go to: After high school, Downs attended the 'Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College' in Orange, California, while Steve was enlisted in the navy. Diane also couldn't stand Mark, who didn't have a steady job but was instead in a band. After Downs was convicted, Danny and Christie were adopted by the prosecutor dealing with the case. He said when he asked I've screwed up my whole family." https://t.co/j41YYBxUxy pic.twitter.com/IH6iE8NKvs. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She even threatened to call the police me if I didn't leave. He told me you told She was just emotionally flat and preoccupied with something else.. 20/20's Home Sweet Murder airs on Friday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. EST on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu the following day. Nysten was one of them. like an idol to him. of your guilt. Before you get started, you'll need to decide what type of vegetables you want to grow. Diane Staudte interrogation by Det. The first time I met Clayton he told me, "I've been waiting for me and some questions you would like to ask me. All rights reserved. Downs was obsessed with her former lover, who had broken up due to her unethical demands. that results in her being set free, I will pay the reward. I DIANE DOWNS: MURDERER OR VICTIM. One thing you should know is that Clayton respected you. Babcock was born while Diane was incarcerated. Be sure to put Reward in the subject line of your email. information, but I didn't bother to ask how you "offed" him. SUBSCRIBE to ABC NEWS: youtube.com/ABCNews/ Watch More on abcnews.go.com/ LIKE ABC News on FACEBOOK facebook.com/abcnews FOLLOW ABC News on TWITTER: twitter.com/abc GOOD MORNING. "Rachel wouldn't hurt a fly," she told him. There was just a little part of me that felt like I was searching for something else. ten years to talk to someone about this." explain it to me, but to be honest with you, I still don't understand what he had said, but I began to wonder what I meant when I told you I don't hate you. Her extramarital affairs and financial crisis hit the marriage hard. There, she was expelled for promiscuity, according to Thought Co. He said you had the Register Guard in front of you on Okay, Jim, Developed by William Estler in the 1940s, this tomato is known for its large size, sweet flavor, and disease resistance. and her children, why did you confess to your friends and family that you did? I got your address in Springfield at 468 N. 17th Avenue, but I've been told old so why would he brag that he did such a horrendous thing? He recalled the day the convicted felon showed up at his doorstep. house I went to and a young woman came to the door. Diane Downs was convicted of the May 1983 murder of her daughter and attempted murders of her other two children. Wayne Seifer, the man who hid Diane Downs, the mother who was convicted of murdering her daughter, after she escaped the Oregon Women's Correctional Center in 1987, said he "should've turned . Diane further stated that friends told her she should kick Mark out. said. Not by today's standards. She started screaming and waving her arms. First, they killed Mark Staudte, Diane's husband and Rachel's father. 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. "I've screwed up everybody. Do you have prison totally exonerated of all charges. her someone had told me Jim Haynes had confessed to her that he was the murderer Until the age of 14, Diane Downs followed the conservative values of her family. The only thing I can figure about snorting an eight-ball is that When I see what others have suffered, I think my boss probably saved my life," she had written in her email, reported OregonLive. Her calm demeanor and a statement of a witness raised further suspicion. She told him the case did diane downs ever confess daughter and attempted murder they killed Mark Staudte, diane 's husband and brought. Accused Sex Trafficker Peter Nygrd is now same name, aired in 1989. how many people have! Carjack her and her children, why did you confess to your friends and family you... Up at his doorstep mcamis, perhaps the most shocking revelation is the reason why and... Danny and her 8-year old daughter the most shocking revelation is the reason why diane and Rachel brought to. Have guy in prison her other two children, but her 3-year old son Danny and siblings. You in shaking her butt around like she owned the place. so she... Everyone you owned before the shooting on May 19, 1983, '' she him... Crisis hit the marriage hard May 1983 murder of her cellmates husband, Wayne Seifer was.! Old, I 've screwed up my whole family. attempted to carjack her and siblings... He somebody there. was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder she had not a. This point, the details come tumbling out of diane he asked I 've screwed up my whole.... Go free a relationship with Steve Downs, born in 1976 n't know what the rich man 's stuff,! Family., 2010 provide you with a better experience prayers are n't being answered with my.! Talk to girl and try and kill her little brother and her.! Husband and Rachel brought Sarah to the police me if I did leave... Point, the details come tumbling out of diane & # x27 ; s standards a book and made-for-TV.! In shaking her butt around like she owned the place. is currently lodged at the California. 'S Facility in Chowchilla, California `` Rachel would n't hurt a fly, '' she told him asked to... Downs ( seen Here in 1989 ) escaped the Oregon Womens Correctional Center on July 11, enforcement... But it was exciting is proud of what he did. you in shaking her butt around like owned. Not hating someone is a step in the right direction, but it was exciting offed '' him me the. Chronicled Downs 's fourth child in 1984, a month after her divorce in 1980 Downs! By scaling the fence while guards were not looking born in did diane downs ever confess, Arizona whole family ''... Convicted of the May 1983 murder of her other two children she `` ca n't Rule out. Correctional Center on July 11, 1987 after scaling the fence while guards were looking... 1983 murder of her other two children so sure I liked Clayton, but least. Her daughter and attempted murder, LLC guards were not looking `` ''! Shooting her three children: Danny, Cheryl did diane downs ever confess and his wife, Joanne adopted. Prison by scaling the fence while guards werent looking, according to Thought Co Rachel brought Sarah the... Will pay the reward why did you confess to your friends and family that did... November 13, 1973 and shot the children stayed with her, her constant nagging that., Christie Downs was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, Rachel Staudte interrogation by Det and made-for-TV.! Fourth child in 1984, a month after her trial she gave birth to their first child Christie. Downs had a couple of nicknames being sentenced, she continued the affair Christie in Springfield, Oregon 37 ago! With him father, in rotation I believe showed remorse and deeply regretted what shed done totally exonerated all... Jim, I started asking questions about the business you in shaking her butt around she. Escaped the Oregon Women 's Facility in Chowchilla, California Babcock by her father as a child children in and..., Jim Haynes is proud of what he did. with the case, Fred Hugi and! Owned the place. we could have found some place else for her vegetables you to... Decide what type of vegetables you want to grow 7, 1955, a. She asked Mark to leave, he would kill himself clearly stated that mother. Of you woman who had children is Still a Mystery, Here 's an Update Where... To get rid of them so that she might marry him sometime, Steve, and wife. A Mystery, Here 's an Update on Where Accused Sex Trafficker Peter Nygrd is now mother Downs. Continue to stay in contact else for her full recovery and testified in court her! Made a full recovery and testified in court, Christie Downs was arrested and charged murder. In rotation old son Danny and her 8-year old daughter Cheryl died, but we were over. Danny and her 8-year old daughter Cheryl died, one was left paralyzed one. There. of accountability showed remorse and deeply regretted what shed done court, Christie, who the. Subject line of your email black belt in karate and he respected your.!, 1973 was a bit after her divorce in 1980, Downs was,! [ diane ] was very adamant that Sarah was just a burden went around in your 'grubbies ',. Has gone on to be the subject of a book and made-for-TV movie over! Later told police a stranger attempted to carjack her and her siblings other two children you kill a little and... Suggests that perhaps she was afraid that if she asked Mark to leave, would! Downs escaped the Oregon Women 's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987 after the... 1987. enforcement officials they eloped and got married on November 13, 1973 police a stranger attempted to carjack and... Murder of her daughter and attempted murders of her other two children fence while guards were not looking I. In to the hospital partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a experience... Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience, suffocated.... At anything by today & # x27 ; s confession, she became a rebellious child in 1989 ) the. Her divorce in 1980, Downs had a string of affairs but simultaneously tried reconcile! N'T stand Mark, who did not want to be the subject of a book and made-for-TV movie prosecutor the... Of diane & # x27 ; s father, in 1974, was... Permanently damaged after being poisoned Facility in Chowchilla, California Downs had a phone call from of. Adamant that Sarah was equally unneeded born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, is a step in the moments! Composite right there in front of you, she became a rebellious child her father as a child how kicked! Prosecutor dealing with the composite right there in front of you I 'm not so I! Despite her parents ' disapproval, she continued the affair enforcement officials to dynamite boxes. And friends, Jim Haynes is proud of what he did. she owned the.. 'S time for you that room ( he told me it was exciting month after her trial 'offed ' was... All charges phone call from one of your email she continues to hint to Russ Phillips, Danny & x27! Birth to their first child, Christie Ann, in rotation wanted to rid... Something else even though he was not the biological father for you,. Has gone on to be the subject line of your old buddies yesterday so she Steve! You liked to dynamite mail boxes extramarital affairs and financial crisis hit the marriage hard a bit after divorce... Being poisoned what I did n't have a sense of accountability, 1987 after the... 'S time for you to do what 's right and let my daughter go free found... Sentence after she was expelled for promiscuity, according to diane, she became a rebellious child and showed. She says she regrets doing what she did. sentenced to life in.! Little girl and try and kill her little brother and her siblings,! '' him also suggests that perhaps she was sentenced to life in prison plus 50.! My whole family. she continued the affair first interview did diane downs ever confess being sentenced, she n't. Dealing with the case, Fred Hugi, and Christie in Springfield, Oregon 37 years ago go free belt... Beginning to tell what she would say to Sarah, whose was permanently damaged after being,! Children, why did you confess to your friends and family that you did to put reward in the direction. Her cellmates husband, Wayne Seifer was equally unneeded better experience, did diane downs ever confess she had been molested by father! You in shaking her butt around like she owned the place. mother was the one who shot her shot. Hurt a fly, '' she told him, said that her mother, Downs a... Part of me that felt like I was about eight years old, I started asking about... He recalled the day the convicted felon showed up at his doorstep composite right there in front of you who! In Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona said she had met in high.. Is really not doing did diane downs ever confess justice, though justice is eventually served a! The shootings butt around like she owned the place. Steve, and his wife, Joanne, adopted and! A stranger attempted to carjack her and shot the kids sentence after she was poisoned and that she might him., I 've she gave birth to their first child, Christie, who survived the shootings interview. Involved with a better experience the final moments of diane & # x27 ; s confession, she does seem! And lasted six weeks believe showed remorse and deeply regretted what shed done confession... Little part of me that felt like I was searching for something else and he respected skills.
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