Diane Downs

Diane Downs 1984

Diane Downs is a figure whose case has attracted significant media and public attention. Born Elizabeth Diane Frederickson on August 7, 1955, she was convicted in 1984 for the murder and attempted murder of her three children. This article provides an overview of her life, the crimes she committed, the trial, and the aftermath, including her portrayal in media.

Early Life

Diane Downs was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Wesley and Willadene Frederickson. Little is known about her early life, but it is reported that she had a troubled relationship with her parents. Diane was a bright student but was described by those who knew her as seeking attention and validation from an early age.

The Crime

On May 19, 1983, Downs drove to a rural road in Springfield, Oregon, with her three children: Christie, 8; Cheryl, 7; and Danny, 3. She shot them at close range, resulting in Cheryl's death at the scene, while Christie and Danny were severely wounded. Diane then drove to a nearby hospital, claiming a bushy-haired stranger had attempted to carjack her and had shot the children.

Investigation and Trial

The investigation quickly focused on Diane as the prime suspect. Her calm demeanor and lack of genuine emotion raised suspicions. Evidence contradicted her account: gunpowder residue on her hands, the children's blood on her clothes, and the absence of any witnesses or physical evidence supporting her version of events. Most damning was the testimony from her surviving daughter, Christie, who, after recovering, confirmed that it was her mother who shot them.

In 1984, Diane Downs was convicted of one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of criminal assault. She was sentenced to life in prison plus fifty years.

Aftermath

The case of Diane Downs has been the subject of numerous books and television shows, most notably Ann Rule's true crime book Small Sacrifices. In 1989, a television movie of the same name, starring Farrah Fawcett as Downs, further cemented the case in the public consciousness.

Incarceration

Diane Downs has made several attempts to escape from prison and has been transferred to different facilities as a result. She maintains her innocence, claiming that the real shooter has never been caught.

Impact on Media and Society

The Diane Downs case has had a lasting impact on media and society, raising questions about maternal filicide, the portrayal of female criminals in the media, and the psychological assessment of perpetrators of such crimes. It has also contributed to discussions on the reliability of child testimony in criminal trials.

See Also

• Maternal filicide
• True crime
• Ann Rule
• Small Sacrifices