An Evil Witch of a Woman : The Diane Downs Case

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Cheryl, Christie, and Stephen with me today.
On the night of May 19, 1983, Diane Downs drove her three children, Christie, 8, Cheryl, 7, and Danny, 3, to McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield, Oregon. All three had been shot at close range in the family car. Cheryl died from her injuries, while Christie and Danny survived with severe, life-altering wounds; Downs had a comparatively minor gunshot wound to her forearm.

Downs initially claimed that a “bushy-haired stranger” had tried to carjack her on a rural road and shot the children. Investigators found her account inconsistent with the physical evidence, including the slow speed at which she drove to the hospital despite the children’s critical condition. Prosecutors argued that Downs shot the children because she wanted a life with a married man who did not want children.

Christie, despite lasting neurological damage, later testified that her mother had shot her. In June 1984, a jury convicted Downs of murdering Cheryl and attempting to murder Christie and Danny, as well as assault charges. She was sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years.

Downs has continued to maintain that an unknown attacker was responsible. She has been repeatedly denied parole; her most recent denial was in 2025, and her next parole consideration is scheduled for 2031.

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