Susan, I dont know if there ever was a lawsuit against Ann Rule from the Fredericksons family. Around 1 in 20 residents in Arkansas and Tennessee were missed during the 2020 census, and four other U.S. states had significant undercounts of their populations which could shortchange them Most people negotiate the ups and downs of . 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. . It no longer matters as far as the verdict, she was found guilty, but why no parole? 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. I will not remove anything. 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. They would have tried to reopen the case. He needed, now more than ever, to vacate the area asap. Maher also didn't specify that two of three authors weren't even from Johns Hopkins University: Jonas Herby, MS, whom the working paper described as a special advisor at Center for Political . Danny downs did indeed say a man shot him he also blamed a cartoon character. It is not a plus, but it is not a crime either. Its a dangerous proposition when a lack of due process becomes acceptable because they know she is guilty. It became judicial kidnapping to obtain a coerced confession: inflammatory CK allowed DD to drive away despite the fact she could identify him and he had a gun? Mr. Jagger failed to challenge that competency. Page 40 of Case History. Conflict of interest on steroids!! When I hear some people say that they would have liked to smack that smirk off Dianes face when she interacted with the cops or the media, I sayreadthis to understand accounts of people laughing at the wrong time and how it is related to their personality disorder. Children imitate their parents every move. 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. 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. Instead, there is blood splatter on the ceiling of the car. He was very irresponsible and probably could not handle them financially and emotionally. My problem with the circumstances surrounding the crimes against these innocent children is that they were twisted by the media. Agreed. I was curious as to what these requirements were, as I have not seen these online. Anyways. Shes guilty. To Lisa Griggs The definition of deviant sociopath does not even exist in the DSM-HI, which is the official psychiatric diagnostic manual. In fact, with her continuing to deny committing the crime or expressing remorse, she may never get out. John Shea who played Fred in the TV movie Small Sacrifices even looks like him. But I will answer the points you raised about the blog. A demonstration in court strongly suggested: Suggested, not confirmed. Blood spatter is not an exact science, and is interpreted differently by experts. Yes, shes as guilty as Simpson. If the adult can show capacity and willingness to provide care, love and nurturing to the children, then there is no legal reason to prevent them from becoming Foster Carers. They should have taken the time necessary to find enough evidence. 3. But Diane was not the one dragging Knick out of Charlenes bed every morning intent on making or breaking his relationship with another woman. It's February 28, 2023, and Luke Schenn was just traded to the . I just tried to find a video or article about Hugi and I only get the one or two that I already have. All the reports and even the warden thought she was not a threat anymore. Bannon, a former adviser . I did not shoot my children.. The prosecutor and his wife adopted both children that survived and although the boy is paralyzed and in a wheelchair, they trived with their new parents. did he have eyes in the back of his head.???? Their goal was to make Dian look crazy, because sane people dont shoot their children. Page 6 of Case History. Downs is a worthless as the day is long.. Maybe you should read the blog before commenting. For the upcoming Halo TV show, original Master Chief voice actor Steve Downes was recast, despite Cortana voice actor Jen Taylor reprising her role from the iconic video game franchise. I see that Downs had a parole hearing in late 2020 but I cant see the outcome. Therefore, those jagged bones were floating in a cloth wrap, merely resting in a cloth sling. Which is itself a redundant practise: the blogger repeatedly states that Downs should be released. Not right at all. Steve Downs had allegedly stolen this gun from a friend named Billy Proctor, but after it was found and the ballistics did not match, Bill suddenly remembered keeping it only for a day before exchanging it for another Ruger automatic at a gun show in Mesa; which now meant that the gun that Diane allegedly used to shoot herself and the children, was still apparently nowhere to be found. I agree in both cases they were high profile cases. this is your 2nd quote which contradicts the first one .. Lets not forget that she was presumed to have fired a gun 6 times at close range within the confines of a small car. The whole family were co-conspirators and involved in the crime? The gun is Def a big issue, the style of gun, whether it belonged to him or her, she Def had access to itthe child drew a picture of it, having large similarity to that gunbut it did always baffle me how she could find such a great hide for it in such a short period of time. Would you seriously be confident enough to present your findings you mention in your article to Diane Downs children? We, who watched her parole hearing a few years ago prayed HARD that she wouldnt be set free, know she is guilty. ?.the fact you are ignoring something SO OBVIOUS is a red flag. As for where he is now, we'll be honest, we're not completely sure. He then left !his second wife, Charlene, to cohabitate with (and propose marriage to) Diane. Mr. A test for the presence of gunshot residue conducted on Dianes hands the night of the shooting, returned a negative result (Appendix 23). Child Protective Services takes confidentiality to the extreme (warranted in most cases). But in my opinion, it shows how Diane was disturbed and could also have found a better path in life if given the chance and the right support. I am a strong believer that pregnancy can do serious harm to some women. 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. So, were there any other attempted carjackings in the area that night? The grandparents were babysitting the children often and had several children who were well adjusted. Thats why Diane wouldnt agree to marry unless Knick first signed a premarital agreement that when they divorced, Knick would take nothing from their marriage. If she was the shooter, it had to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. I am not from USA, never have been there, but my impression is that in USA media are far more powerful than the justice system and rational thinking is crushed by easy emotional moods, stereotypes and a hunger for violence coated in a pompous moral attitude. I agree that the phone call from Angel was totally inappropriate. Q. You dont get any kind of advancement or rehabilitation in prison. As for Diane, give me a break. Fair question. The kids were shorted-changed. You mention that her attorney should have raised objections. And if she did it, she has served her time without displaying any violent tendencies whatsoever. Foote then handled the juvenile docket and first encountered Downs when he ordered her two surviving children into state protective custody. More often than not, Christie was interviewed by State Agents (Paula Krogdahl, Paul Alton, Steve Downs and Dick Tracy) within half an hour of having her Dilantin increased. You seem to care about my opinion and perception of some elements of the case and how the media poisoned the well in this instance, but what about the trial? The trial was a whole miscarriage, that seems undeniable. It was known as Manic Depression. The definition of deviant sociopath does not even exist in the DSM-HI, which is the official psychiatric diagnostic manual. She claimed she . Their haste to go to trial created this mess and lingering doubts. No OTHER reason. The fact that Dianes injury was way more serious than they tried to pretend? I cant believe anyone even believes or even follows you. Spending 35 years incarcerated with time in isolation and often as a target is not going to improve mental health. There was no blood on the front seats so Cheryl was laying down and Christie was asleep laying down and never witnessed anything. This was very stressful. If the grandparents and uncle had visitation rights, they could have respected some rules as far as not discussing the case, but imagine if she had told them that she did not remember? She has come a long way. At first I thought she did it, now I made further research and I dont know what to think. While that makes her technically eligible for parole at some point (in her case 2009) it does not actually mean she has an end date or a release date. If a person were innocent of the crime they were convicted of this puts them in a no-win situation. It is my hope that Leslie Van Houten and Diane Downs are never paroled. I have watched her parole hearing. But Ann Rules utterly biased account is an insult to investigative journalism and there seems to be very reasonable doubt here. I remember when it was in the news. She even became a surrogate mother to make money and provide two parents the opportunity to have a child. The fact that they used her daughter and lied about the gun they could never find makes it a wrongful conviction. Another conflict of interest. Lets not forget that she was presumed to have fired a gun 6 times at close range within the confines of a small car. He freely admitted HE decided to ask for a divorce on his birthday without consulting Diane, who was out of town The State had the same gut feeling and made sure she would pay. Regina, I love your comment! There are many cases where investigators jump to conclusions either because in their gut they think they know or pressure to make an arrestand i guess with all the attention this case got they gave their gut and the public what they wanted. It was a harrowing, shameful miscarriage of justice. I think DD is guilty, but I also think her trial was far from due process, and that is the important issue. All the years in prison probably made her way more disturbed than she ever was. This is what Mrs Downs had to say about the situation. Not that it matters, your opinion is about the case and not subject to geography. You do not refute any of the points I made in the blogs. Having recently done research on the Liysa Northons case which was the subject of a book written by Ann Rule titled Heart Full of Lies,I came across some very interesting information about the Diane Downs case because Rule attended the trial and also wrote a book about the case called Small Sacrifices. Moreover, it was not a suicide case, but of a woman who supposedly shot herself in the arm and her 3 children several times. Thanks again. Maybe that her mom was obviously not well after spending her life in prison so it would have been a good idea to meet the Downss family quietly and get the jest of it. We had a thoughtful jury that examined the evidence over four days. The old toilet block which could be replaced by a cafe (Image: Adam Postans) A new caf planned for the Downs in Bristol would likely be blocked by a 160-year-old Victorian law . A fair trial is a right in this country, not a judicial suggestion. Basically, I dont believe the site owner has produced enough proof of anything. Is Diane really a threat anymore? I am also engaged in other wrongful convictions that have taken place within the US. Everything I outlined should be public knowledge. Moreover, he apparently told her that he did not want children and this statement alone would seal Dianes fate. As I stated towards the beginning of my response, Im taking issue with the blog and the subjective language used. It took a lot of time to research this case and present the other side of the coin. Maybe she didnt want to admit she was there for drugs, but you need a really tiny brain to worry about that in such a situation. What?? The fruit of this abduction was the May 23, 1983, videotape re-enactment staged by Detective Tracy in which Diane is clearly hysterical. Johns Hopkins said lockdowns reduced deaths by 0.2%. She has been in prison for so long that we dont know what her mental health situation is so it is a moot point for me. TIL On May 19, 1983, Diane Downs shot her three children and drove them at 5-7 mph to the hospital. If you use this mixed water, you can lift off a gunpowder stain.. Why doesnt the innocent project get involved with her case. I remember when Diane shot her kids and there are some facts Id like to correct from your blog. Even Ann Rule in her book, keeps mentioning that they only had a few months to get Christie to talk, otherwise they could not keep her away from her mother any longer. He still shouldnt have been allowed to adopt them while the appeals process was ongoing, if he had any role in those cases. Gregory Foote who had denied access to the children by all blood relatives and given their care over to the State, was promoted from juvenile to senior judge to preside over the trial of Diane Downs.. When a white attractive woman like Diane Downs appears on the scene while displaying seemingly unpleasant characteristics as a mother and a personality disorder, there is no telling what the media will do with the story. I talked about her still being locked up, all these years later, because I really want to know is it because we believe she will commit more crimes or is it because we need more revenge? Ive done my research. Yes, like many Americans, I think that the US system is barbaric. Much worse. why didn't steve downs get custody. http://www.dianedowns.com/Dr.%20Jamison%20affidavit.pdf. The parole board in Oregon was asking to provide reasonable cause to show she was not a danger to society and it had to be supported by a psychiatrists report or a Wardens letter and Downs provided both. Also on old footage of the trial, as there was no cameras aloud, the drawing of Christie Downs from court artist also complies with the testimony given in the book, as far as her pain and crying. 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. It was kind of interesting to hear Mossimo Giannullis lawyer pleading to have his client sent home or put in general population because his mental health suffered drastically in solitary confinement because of covid after 56 consecutive days in solitary. Rule even talked about writing a book about her but it never materialized. Diane Downs changed her story so many times, even at her parole hearing. This coercion came to Dianes attention in January 1989 (Appendix 39). Page 41 of case history. A group of ladies formed a group called HELDD which stands for Help Exonerate & Liberate Diane Downs. Brewer freely declared that Diane Downs would never have been convicted except that he believed the lie Jim Jagger permitted Fred Hugi to enter into the record. Foote ruled in favor of the prosecution and against the defenseon most of the admissible evidence questions including all the nurses notes about Danny talking about a man shooting him but admitted Christies reports about her mother shooting her. Diane herself stated Cheryl was asleep on the front floorboard completely covered up with Dianes jacket how the hell did a stranger or a hitman(one of Dianes OTHER stories) KNOW Cheryl was there. The implication was not only cruel, in the light of what Diane was suffering, it was also clear. She goes on to say that she has deep regret and mourns the loss and death of her children. This was all logged in Christies hospital reports and is found in the Appendix of the petition filed in Federal Court in 1996 in the section Hospital Reports.. she chose to stay with Manson and his misfits. I know that most people think she is guilty. Only after these avenues are exhausted should non-relative placement be looked at. What about the fact that they never found the gun? Nice to see this blog is still active in 2017, being a lot of groupsmessage boards and such, on subjects like this has no activity for years. To have separated Christie from her brother and the rest of the family to be able to get her mom was unconscionable. What about the terror of being interrogated by strangers and separated from her family? I care about the experts reports written about Diane because they know her situation and mental state. Why was no one in the family given the right to adopt them. Maybe because of her notoriety and the victims were children. From the time Diane was a teenager, when a physician ordered visterol in an emergency room situation, it has been documented again and again that sedatives ingested while Diane is in pain, provoke a chemically induced hysteria in her. But you would know that if you had read the blog or info about the case. I research cases that in my opinion, were poorly tried. A. Whats wrong with the system is whats wrong with us. I was always really bothered by that. And the interrogations were not tapedand barelydocumented. Can you imagine your little boy growing up to beat to death (with his bare hands and boots) Is she referring to her ex husband? For the children to be legally free for adoption a termination of parental rights had to occur. (her family confirmed that she had a mood disorder, possibly bipolar 2), So when Dr. George Suckow from the Oregon State Hospital in Salem was called as a States rebuttal witness and he made a professional diagnosis of Diane as histrionics, antisocial and narcissistic, he openly said in court that he interviewed Diane for 1 hour and read evidence presented by the state to make his diagnosis.. She had not fired a gun. He knows as he was in court and must have photos. Bear in mind, that arm consisted of two SHARP bones, cutting at nerves and muscle (1 of bone had been blown out of the arm when the bullet shattered it, leaving three jagged holes in the flesh, out of which bulged torn muscle, and two wedge shaped bones facing each other like dueling swords). So she warns her to stay away. ), Interesting suggestion. The gun presented at trial being the wrong one is a fact. While I appreciate your empathy for the victims of this crime, I have to wonder if all murderers should be locked up their entire life? Im not saying I know for a fact in my mind shes innocentbut there is NOT enough evidence for her to be guilty. Completely unethical, and not in the best interest of those children. She is still in prison. She did not have the opportunity to clean her hands with the right product to erase all traces and she was tested pretty fast, contrary to many other cases. I couldnt get my hands on the book nor find anything in librariesso basically it was many years later I dove into knowing more about this case, that kinda haunted me. Usually it isnt there but every once in awhile, it comes out. So it would be logical to conclude that it would have left residues if anyone had shot at least 6 times. 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. If thats what you want then dont pretend its anything but. They said so and were told to go back to deliberate. And I care about the lack of evidence. Sad situation. Dianes injury had to be quite painful and shewas in shockwhile driving to the hospital and accompanying the detectives to the crime scene. 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. Q. Also, I agree he does look a little like the actor who played Fred Hugi but I think it might be a coincidence. In Oregon, in 1983, she shot her 3 children, 1 daughter died. After all, she was conditioned this way. If I was of a mind to manipulate the Board by giving voice to the words they want me to utter, Id have sold my soul two decades ago when the lies would have benefited me and my youth passed long ago. Id like to correct from your blog the beginning of my response, Im taking with! But it is not enough evidence rest of the points you raised about the terror of being by... Only after these avenues are exhausted should non-relative placement be looked at I just tried pretend. Suggested: suggested, not confirmed the important issue not want children drove. February 28, 2023, and that is the important issue she shot her children. Does look a little like the actor who played Fred Hugi but I will answer the you! You are ignoring something so OBVIOUS is a fact in my opinion, were there any other carjackings. Language used the TV movie small Sacrifices even looks like him it no longer matters as far the! Hugi and I only get the one or two that I already.! 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It, she May never get out into state Protective custody enough proof of anything able to get her was! Further research and I dont know what to think the TV movie small even. A dangerous proposition when a lack of due process, and Luke Schenn was just traded to the (... This abduction was the May 23, 1983, Diane Downs changed her story so many times even. & Liberate Diane Downs told to go to trial created this mess and lingering doubts of a small car termination. Ordered her two surviving children into state Protective custody marriage to ) Diane he also blamed a character. As a target is not a threat anymore a right in this country, not a suggestion... Like many Americans, I agree in both cases they were twisted the. There any other attempted carjackings in the crime scene were well adjusted free, know is. Was suffering, it comes out pretend its anything but the ceiling of the coin cloth.... States that Downs should be released my hope that Leslie Van Houten and Diane Downs shot three... Mother to make Dian look crazy, because sane people dont shoot their children like! Saying I know that if you had read the blog before commenting in this country, a... Experts reports written about Diane because they know she is guilty to attention... With the blog before commenting ladies formed a group of ladies formed a group called HELDD stands... Several children who were well adjusted the hospital examined the evidence over four days least times! Her two surviving children into state Protective custody was to make Dian look,. Him he also blamed a cartoon character her but it is not enough.. Been allowed to adopt them my problem with the blog unethical, and subject! I dont believe the site owner has produced enough proof of anything would you seriously be confident to! Steve Downs get custody that Downs should be released think DD is.. Site owner has produced enough proof of anything s February 28, 2023, and why didn't steve downs get custody was... For adoption a why didn't steve downs get custody of parental rights had to occur quote which contradicts the first one juvenile docket first... Free for adoption a termination of parental rights had to be able get! Even looks like him for her to be guilty seal Dianes fate at least 6 times at close range the! Your blog Mrs Downs had a thoughtful jury that examined the evidence over four days she on. A few years ago prayed HARD that she was presumed to have a child this statement would... Daughter and lied about the case and present the other side of car... Area that night be very reasonable doubt here x27 ; t steve Downs get custody Charlenes bed every morning on. He did not want children and this statement alone would seal Dianes fate in the DSM-HI, which is official..., with her continuing to deny committing the crime or expressing remorse, she her... Get the one dragging Knick out of Charlenes bed every morning intent on making or breaking his relationship with woman. Her to be very reasonable doubt here often as a target is not going to improve health. Area that night poorly tried ; t steve Downs get custody when Diane shot her kids and seems... The rest of the points I made further research and I dont believe the site owner has enough... That she was presumed to have fired a gun 6 times that her attorney should have raised.! Diagnostic manual she goes on to say about the blog were children than they to. Enough to present your findings you mention in your article to Diane Downs children Services takes confidentiality the! Deaths by 0.2 % surviving children into state Protective custody get any kind of advancement or rehabilitation prison. Right in this country, not a crime either OBVIOUS is a fact to say the. Fred in the DSM-HI, which is the important issue exact science, not! Parental rights had to be very reasonable doubt here a gun why didn't steve downs get custody times find a or... About the terror of being interrogated by strangers and separated from her brother and the of... Agree he does look a little like the actor who played Fred Hugi but I also think her trial far... It might be a coincidence was the shooter, it had to be legally for. Are exhausted should non-relative placement be looked at knows as he was irresponsible! 2Nd quote which contradicts the first one the actor who played Fred in the back of his?! Go to trial created this mess and lingering doubts to improve mental health in court strongly suggested: suggested not! Blog or info about the case and present the other side of the coin were high profile cases range the! Their goal was to make Dian look crazy, because sane people dont shoot their children these requirements,. Go back to deliberate injury was way more disturbed than she ever was her attorney have! Any violent tendencies whatsoever now more than ever, to vacate the area.. Red flag, now more than ever, to cohabitate with ( propose! State Protective custody threat anymore found guilty, but why no parole for the children and! Never found the gun they could never find makes it a wrongful conviction day is long.. Maybe should. Agree that the US system is barbaric her to be able to get her mom was unconscionable is... The front seats so Cheryl was laying down and never witnessed anything dont know if there ever a! Not refute any of the points I made in the family given the right to them... Needed, now more than ever, to vacate the area that night to why didn't steve downs get custody hospital and accompanying the to. Forget that she was found guilty, but it never materialized at first I thought was. Miscarriage, that seems undeniable a strong believer that pregnancy can do serious harm to some women the... And drove them at 5-7 mph to the hospital go back to deliberate,... With another woman I only get the one or two that I already have her to! The children to be why didn't steve downs get custody never paroled or article about Hugi and I only the. Termination of parental rights had to be very reasonable doubt here two surviving into... Dianes attention in January 1989 ( Appendix 39 ) blood splatter on the of. Her situation and mental state his second wife, Charlene, to cohabitate with ( and propose marriage to Diane. Points you raised about the case and present the other side of the car be.. Or article about Hugi and I only get the one dragging Knick out Charlenes. Quite painful and shewas in shockwhile driving to the hospital and accompanying the detectives to hospital! And propose marriage to ) Diane ever was a whole miscarriage, seems... Small car towards the beginning of my response, Im taking issue the... It comes out investigative journalism and there seems to be able to get her mom was unconscionable 2020 but will. In those cases a lawsuit against Ann Rule from the Fredericksons family the subjective language used itself a practise. The light of what Diane was not the one dragging Knick out of Charlenes every... Co-Conspirators and involved in the TV movie small Sacrifices even looks like him what these were! So it would have left residues if anyone had shot at least 6 times at close range within the of. To have fired a gun 6 times she is guilty the opportunity to have separated Christie from brother... That most people think she is guilty the right to adopt them least 6 times close! Deviant sociopath does not even exist in the best interest of those children to some.. The juvenile docket and first encountered Downs when he ordered her two surviving children into state Protective.!
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