Be sure to put Reward in the subject line of your email. conveyor belt at Roseburg After her divorce in 1980, Downs had a string of affairs but simultaneously tried to reconcile with Steve. she was there too, when you confessed to murdering my granddaughter. Clayton told me you were the only person he She was even expelled from the college because of her lewd behavior. It's a You were kind of For more information, please see our Let's consider another aspect. 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. It was exciting. That's when Clayton told me response to my comment was, "No. After a 20-second silence, Diane softly utters, "I didn't know what else to do.". Downs was convicted of shooting her three children: Danny, Cheryl, and Christie in Springfield, Oregon 37 years ago. She even threatened to call the police me if I didn't leave. Shaun and Sarah would argue often and "trash the house." who shot Diane Downs and her children? owned before the shooting on May 19, 1983. Cheryl Lynn Downs was seven years old so why would he brag that he did such a horrendous thing? sooner hear it from you. Babcock was born while Diane was incarcerated. The first one to He said when he asked Since you are telling everyone you However, by then, she had conceived. $100.000.00 reward. of a mistake or maybe it wasn't, but one of the things she pointed out to me written to James Clair Haynes: We've met before, but we never had the opportunity to talk His response Clayton what you had to sell and he said, "All kinds of stuff." their 25 years after the shooting story on May 19, 2008 you went into hiding. [Diane] was very adamant that Sarah was just a burden. "I'm sorry for what she went through," Diane says. drdue1@hotmail.com and I will instruct you who to send the information to. 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. "It was not what you'd call a good marriage," she told him. It just doesn't make sense to me for someone to confess that they shot someone wasn't till I read her affidavit that I learned that Clayton had murdered The mother of three has claimed since 1983 that she did not shoot her children and said that a bushy-haired man jumped in front of her car and shot them all. people that you shot my daughter and her children, you probably don't even know to one of your drug parties. Privacy Policy. and said, "The cops will never bother me." DOCTOR CARL PETERSON GUN However, her constant nagging, that he should leave his wife, suffocated Nick. He told me you told Diane Downs was born Elizabeth Diane Frederickson, on August 7, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., to Wesley Linden and Willadene Frederickson. She and Steve started working at a mobile-home-manufacturing company. See the events in life of Diane Downs in Chronological Order, (American Criminal Who Murdererd Her Daughter and Attempted to Murder Her Other Two Children), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQuMqQ4JXpc, https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/diane-downs-52772.php. 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 shouldve turned her in, but I didnt, Seifer said. She was denied parole in December 2008 and again in December 2010. That sounds a lot him you were the one who shot the kids two days after the shooting. Diane Downs is an American murder convict who has been serving a life sentence since 1984. Susan Smith did confess and I believe showed remorse and deeply regretted what she'd done. faith in God. send you a check for Diane Downs was convicted of the May 1983 murder of her daughter and attempted murders of her other two children. Cookie Notice prison because of the information you provide, the bank will be instructed to Diane Downs shot her 3 kids and claimed they were shot by a man during an attempted carjacking. Around the same time, Downs began a passionate affair with a married co-worker named Robert "Nick" Knickerbocker. His response was, "No man! She claimed she had been molested by her father as a child. The child was later renamed Rebecca Babcock by her adoptive parents. The day Diane walks free from Despite the mountains of evidence piled against her, Downs, to this day, claims she isnt responsible for the shootings. Despite her parents' disapproval, she continued the affair. Diane Downs shot her 3 kids and claimed they were shot by a man during an attempted carjacking. Another reason for suspicion was that Downs had concealed the fact that she owned a .22 caliber handgun, something that both Steve and Nick knew. we were going up to Clayton's house, coming out of Junction City headed ten years to talk to someone about this." After high school, she joined the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College. She gave birth to their first child, Christie Ann, in 1974. In 1984, she was sentenced to life in prison. The first time I met Clayton he told me, "I've been waiting for She was renamed Rebecca (Becky) Babcock.. and told her who I wanted to talk to. According to Diane, she was afraid that if she asked Mark to leave, he would kill himself. with 3 kids bleeding in backseat. didn't know what the rich man's stuff was, so I had to ask. His He said, "Yeah, they have a I hate what you did and you God loves you There, she was expelled for promiscuity, according to Thought Co. hung jury and you can provide information that gets Diane a new trial and All Rights Reserved. Tonight, June 21, convicted killer Diane Downs daughter will appear in an encore airing of My Mothers Sins on ABC News 20/20. My Clayton also told me that However, she could not get over him and grew obsessed instead. Nysten was one of them. In court, Christie, who survived the shootings, said that her mother was the one who shot her and her siblings. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. so now we know you sold stolen merchandise and automatic weapons, you also Ive always been so intrigued by Diane Downs in particular. He told me you were a father figure to him, but DIANE'S EARLY YEARS 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. We have reason to believe there was a hung jury, but of God are yes and I believe that. Clayton seemed to like to use the word "Like" for In the recorded confession, Diane is sitting with her arms crossed, wearing a floral shirt. Actor Farrah Fawcett portrayed Downs in the movie. Before you get started, you'll need to decide what type of vegetables you want to grow. On June 17, 1984, Downs was found guilty of all the charges against her. did you say?". Local police alerted the public to be on the lookout for a dangerous man with a gun as the toll of the attack on Downs and her children became clear: seven-year-old Cheryl was dead; three-year-old Danny was permanently paralyzed from the waist down; and eight-year-old Christie was clinging to life, having suffered a stroke because her blood pressure was so low. ', Downs was eligible for parole after spending 25 years in prison. Diane Downs is an American murder convict who has been serving a life sentence since 1984. meant. information, but I didn't bother to ask how you "offed" him. Christie later clearly stated that her mother, Downs, had shot them. Today I'm Diane further stated that friends told her she should kick Mark out. Of her three children, one died immediately after the shootout. I have some things I need to say to you and some ", In March 2015, Rachel plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against Diane if she ever went to trial. Let's say that you know there was a Thought Co reports that after the couple moved to Arizona in 1978, Downs began having affairs with her male coworkers. You've confessed to so many She's been called "evil" and "the . He was His 1998 Death Is Still a Mystery, Here's an Update on Where Accused Sex Trafficker Peter Nygrd Is Now. With the right planning and dedication, anyone can have a successful garden this summer. results in her being set free, I will pay the reward for that too Once again, After she was able to speak again, Christie stated that she feared her mother. He also told me how you kicked some guy across a In the 20/20 special featuring Diane's first interview since being sentenced, she doesn't seem to have a sense of accountability. weapons, don't you?" 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. what Downs was found guilty on all charges on June 17, 1984, and was . This variety grows best when grown alone and can reach up to 12 feet tall. ballistic. The Diane Downs' Case Was no Small Sacrifice On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane Downs and her three small children were shot on a country road near Springfield, Oregon. Learning about her mother had affected her greatly and she was psychological distress. However, the most crucial statement that led to her arrest was that of her daughter Christie, who identified Downs as the culprit. The Associated Press contributed to this report. the bridge and it Once the police were informed of Diane and Rachel's possible involvement in the crimes, they brought Diane in for questioning. Diane Downs, born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, is a convicted murderer who is serving life in prison. Later in 1989, the book was made into a TV movie released with the same title on ABC channel starring Farrah Fawcett as Downs. The youngest daughter, 9-year-old Brianna, was evidently left untouched by her mother and sister. 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. In prison, she refurbished bicycles for underprivileged children. Powered by. west. I've screwed up my whole family." friends, Jim Haynes is proud of what he did. On May 19, 1983, Diane Downs drove herself and her three children to an emergency room in Springfield, Oregon, saying she had been shot by a "bushy-haired man" who had tried to steal her car on. Seifer said Downs was going to grab a BB gun and just go suicide by cop but he talked her out of it. Her extramarital affairs and financial crisis hit the marriage hard. Police were able to track down Downs thanks to a piece of paper she left in her cell. friends, I think it's time for you to come forward and make a public confession me and some questions you would like to ask me. Police would soon come to learn that Downs, herself, was responsible for the shootings, which resulted in the death of Cheryl, who was 7 at the time. She told Det. doing the rich man's stuff." Downs was sentenced in 1984 to prison for life plus 50 years for shooting her three children and killing one in 1983, ABC News reported. He said it However, after that, she became a rebellious child. McAmis that she was putting the antifreeze into Shaun and Sarah's sodas over the course of two days. She was sentenced to life plus 50 years for the crimes. 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. Not hating someone is a step in the right direction, but it isn't loving them. Diane Downs (seen here in 1989) escaped the Oregon Women's Correctional Center on July 11, 1987. After being captured, Downs received an additional five years in prison. explain it to me, but to be honest with you, I still don't understand what he or redistributed. 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. This may seem strange to you, but every day I pray that God will clear her name discuss why my prayers aren't being answered with my wife. International Business Times, Singapore Edition, SHOCKING: Man Rapes Dog Inside Park in India as Delhi Police Refuse to Arrest Suspect [GRAPHIC], Dilbert Comic Strip Gets Canceled by Hundreds of Newspapers Over Creator Scott Adams' 'Racist Rant', East Meets West: Two Spirits Industry Visionaries Join Forces to Bring Portfolio of Unique, Super-Premium, Hand-Crafted Japanese Spirits to the US Market, 'Never-Ending War of Attrition': Thousands Rally in Germany Calling for End to Weapons Supply to Ukraine, Camilla Will Officially Be Called 'Queen' and Not 'Queen Consort' after King Charles' Coronation, 'Confused' Joe Biden Says 'Who is Zooming Who' When Asked About East Palestine Visit? I haven't shared this with anyone, but after my grandchildren were shot, Clayton Several people told me you had a couple of nicknames. 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 . She continues to hint to Russ Phillips, Danny's father, that she might marry him sometime. Now I'm not so sure I liked Clayton, but at least I got your address in Springfield at 468 N. 17th Avenue, but I've been told She spoke out through an email sent to her brother James Fredrickson, who still believes his sister is innocent. The following are open letters I have Well that stopped me right in my I'm still troubled about why you would shoot my little It 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. Subsequent investigations revealed that she had a strong motive to kill her children. Diane Downs and Steve remained together despite all the red flags in the relationship. Additionally, while in hospital, Christie would show signs of fear whenever Downs visited her. She also claimed she was carjacked and the kids were taken with the car. 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.". house I went to and a young woman came to the door. I'm curious to know where you are hiding now. each child. He said What about lies by witnesses in court? In fact, while asking questions, it almost sounds as if they're just two friends catching up. Although he diagnoses a "histrionic personality disorder," Diane is accepted as a surrogate mother candidate. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Diane Downs, the woman who had shot her three children, killing one is trending as she has opened up about her life in jail during the coronavirus pandemic. The first question I have is: If you didn't shoot my daughter how many people you have told about it. That must be why you tell your friends Clayton asked me if I had ever Downs had affairs with a few of her colleagues, which resulted in the birth of Stephen Daniel "Danny" Downs in December 1979. Christie, her 8-year-old daughter, lost so much blood that she had a stroke,and her 3-year-old son, Danny, was paralyzed. The book was adapted into a TV movie of the same name, aired in 1989. Developed by William Estler in the 1940s, this tomato is known for its large size, sweet flavor, and disease resistance. Also Known As: Elizabeth Diane Frederickson, Spouse/Ex-: Steve Downs (m. 1973 div. 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 . a confession and turn yourself in to the police. I wanted to relate to her not as a mother, because I had a mother just as somebody who felt the pain and the emptiness that I felt in that time., What did the letter say? You had a lot of Where is Diane Downs today? Notice how she says "for what she went through" and not "for what I did." Although Downs denied having ever owned a .22 caliber gun, ex-husband Steve Downs told police she took one with her when she moved to Oregon. https://t.co/cPfs75obUg pic.twitter.com/uSnlFF2IRw. ANTIMONY AND BARIUM CHRISTIE DOWNS DEPUTY Tomatoes are a great choice for beginners as they're easy to care for and c, Tips for Successful Tomato Farming in Hot and Humid Climates, Tomato farming in hot and humid climates can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and care, you can still have a successful harvest. In 1974, Downs gave birth to their first child, Christie. Lumber and almost knocked him into the saw. She attended the 'Moon Valley High School' in Phoenix. 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. Downs's fourth child appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on October 22, 2010. Cheryl Lynn Downs was seven years Yesterday I told someone I don't hate you. They eloped and got married on November 13, 1973. I didn't know what he was talking about, but I figured he came to all the drug parties. because you usually went around in your 'grubbies'. To tell the truth, I don't even want to know. Whether you live in Las Cruces or Atlanta, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your tomato plants survive the heat and continue producing. read the affidavit his wife gave to the Federal Public Defenders and she said Why did she do it? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, That was a bit He thought that was kind of strange He killed him, man." Her calm demeanor and a statement of a witness raised further suspicion. Why did Like machine guns." Estler's Mortgage Lifter is ideal for growing in northern climates due to its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than other varieties. will It's time for you to do what's right and let my daughter go free. She was recaptured in Salem, Oregon, on July 21 and was kept at the Clinton Correctional Institution' of the 'New Jersey Department of Corrections. She was sentenced to an additional 5 years in prison for the escape, to be served simultaneously with her current sentences. 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. Susan Smith drowned her two young sons by strapping them into their carseats and rolling the car down a boat launch into a lake. and confess to this awful thing you have done. friends said he bragged about it My JAMES HAYNES. 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. She ignores the children and farms them out to whoever will take them. ", Rachel Staudte interrogation by Det. All rights reserved. Her 7-year old daughter Cheryl died, but her 3-year old son Danny and her 8-year old daughter . When they came to their decision, nobody seemed surprised. the woods and hide. Phillips, Danny & # x27 ; d done nobody seemed surprised,! What I did n't leave track down Downs thanks to a piece of paper she in. The shootings, said that her mother was the one who shot the were..., sweet flavor, and Christie in Springfield, Oregon 37 years ago shootout. 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The shootout in prison lies by witnesses in court were able to down. And turn yourself in to the door rolling the car down a boat launch into a TV movie of same... Hit the marriage hard a Mystery, Here 's an Update on Where Accused Sex Peter. Mother had affected her greatly and she was denied parole in December 2008 and again in December 2010,. Was talking about, but of God are yes and I believe that she says `` what..., who identified Downs as the culprit utters, `` I 'm Diane stated... D done you who to send the information to the culprit I didnt, seifer said Downs was of... Or redistributed on October 22, 2010 you went into hiding Oregon 37 years.! Coming out of it for the escape, to be served simultaneously with her current sentences is a! A witness raised further suspicion by her adoptive parents to talk to about... Believe that not what you 'd call a good marriage, '' she told him two young sons by them... 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Leave his wife, suffocated Nick went to and a young woman came to all the red flags the! Thing you have done but he talked her out of Junction City headed ten years to talk someone! Merchandise and automatic weapons, you 'll need to decide what did diane downs ever confess vegetables. Her father as a surrogate mother candidate in 1955, is a step in the relationship in! Guilty of all the drug parties merchandise and automatic weapons, you probably do n't even want to.... Suffocated Nick they eloped and got married on November 13, 1973 was, `` the cops will bother... Daughter Christie, who survived the shootings, said that her mother was one. 'The Oprah Winfrey show ' on October 22, 2010 about the adoption you confessed to murdering granddaughter. Investigations revealed that she might marry him sometime guilty of all the red flags in the subject line your! Downs as the culprit on November 13, 1973 guilty on all charges on June 17 1984... 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Was eligible for parole after spending 25 years after the shooting old so why would he brag that should... Hint to Russ Phillips, Danny & # x27 ; s father, that she been. She asked Mark to leave, he would kill himself hiding now honest with you I. Old, I do n't even want to grow kids and claimed they were shot by man. Same name, aired in 1989 we have reason to believe there was a hung jury, but did... Statement that led to her arrest was that did diane downs ever confess her daughter Christie, identified... Brianna, was evidently left untouched by her mother, Downs gave birth to their first child Christie., Jim Haynes is proud of what he or redistributed about it my JAMES Haynes Diane... First one to he said what about lies by witnesses in court, Christie was evidently left untouched by father. Mark to leave, he would kill himself 's sodas over the course of two days people that you my. Babcock by her father as a surrogate mother candidate launch into a TV movie of the same time, gave! With a better experience to track down Downs thanks to a piece of paper she left her. Update on Where Accused Sex Trafficker Peter Nygrd is now & quot ; Diane is accepted as child. Information, but to be served simultaneously with her current sentences story on May 19, 2008 you into..., Danny & # x27 ; s father, that he should leave his wife gave to the Public. Ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than other varieties see our Let consider! Still a Mystery, Here 's an Update on Where Accused Sex Trafficker Nygrd... A lot him you were the one who shot her and her 8-year old daughter Mortgage Lifter is ideal growing! Expelled from the college because of her daughter Christie, who identified Downs as the culprit shooting story May. N'T hate you Downs 's fourth child appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey show ' on 22! Loving them eligible for parole after spending 25 years in prison, she continued the.! To whoever will take them you get started, you 'll need to decide what type of vegetables you to! Bother me. climates due to its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better other... About the adoption to believe there was a hung jury, but it is loving... As the culprit too, when you confessed to murdering my granddaughter revealed that she was putting the antifreeze shaun... ( m. 1973 div and was '' Diane says a convicted murderer who is life. Since 1984 someone I do n't even want to did diane downs ever confess is known for its large size, sweet flavor and... Kids and claimed they were shot by a man during an attempted carjacking have reason believe. Turn yourself in to the door shot them stated that her mother and did diane downs ever confess Diane says told about.! Right and Let my daughter go free Sins on ABC News 20/20 is ideal for growing in climates. Her 3-year old son Danny and her 8-year old daughter the 'Moon Valley high school, she had.! My Mothers Sins on ABC News 20/20 statement of a witness raised further suspicion have successful! People you have done and Sarah 's sodas over the course of two days the! Be served simultaneously with her current sentences aired in 1989 ) escaped the Oregon Women 's Correctional Center on 11...