In one of the most horrifying true crime cases in American history, Diane Downs, an Oregon mother, attempted to murder her three children in 1983. Her shocking actions — driven by obsession and emotional instability — left one child dead and two gravely injured. Downs’ case stunned the nation, revealing a disturbing story of maternal betrayal and manipulation.
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What Happened: The Tragic Events of May 19, 1983
On May 19, 1983, Diane Downs took her three children — Christie (8), Cheryl (7), and Danny (3) — for a late-night drive on a rural road near Springfield, Oregon. There, she shot each of them multiple times with a .22-caliber pistol before shooting herself in the arm to stage a fake carjacking.
She then drove slowly to the hospital, claiming a “bushy-haired stranger” had attacked them. Tragically, Cheryl died, while Christie and Danny survived but suffered severe injuries. Christie, traumatized and temporarily unable to speak, later became the key witness in solving the case.
Witnesses recalled seeing Diane’s car driving unusually slow, contradicting her story that she had rushed her children for help. Her emotionless demeanor in the hospital — commenting about her car and showing no concern for her children — only deepened suspicion.
The Investigation: Lies, Obsession, and the Confession
Detectives soon unraveled Diane’s story. Although she denied owning a gun, investigators found evidence that she did — matching the weapon used in the crime. Her diary revealed an obsession with a man named Robert “Nick” Knickerbocker, who had ended their relationship because he didn’t want children.
It became clear that Diane’s motive was horrifyingly selfish — she believed that by eliminating her children, she could win Nick back.
The turning point came when Christie, after months of recovery, bravely identified her mother as the shooter. When asked in court who had shot her, she replied firmly: “My mother.”
Diane Downs’ Troubled Past: A Life of Manipulation
Diane Downs’ life before the shooting was marked by instability, neglect, and manipulation. After divorcing her first husband, Steve Downs, she struggled to maintain stable relationships. Her failed attempts to become a surrogate mother and obsessive pursuit of romantic attention showed her deep emotional dependence on others.
Friends and neighbors described her as self-absorbed and neglectful, often leaving her children in others’ care while she chased romantic relationships. Her relationship with Knickerbocker ultimately triggered the violent unraveling that ended in tragedy.
Trial and Conviction: Justice for the Children
In 1984, Diane Downs was arrested, tried, and convicted of murder and attempted murder. Her cold demeanor during the trial — including smiling during testimony — shocked audiences and solidified public outrage. She was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 50 years, ensuring she would never again walk free. Her story became a national sensation and inspired several books and documentaries, including the TV movie Small Sacrifices.
Legacy: A Story That Still Haunts
The case of Diane Downs remains one of the most disturbing examples of parental betrayal in American crime history. Her actions destroyed her family and left emotional scars that could never fully heal. Christie Downs, who survived her mother’s attempt to kill her, has shared her story publicly to highlight resilience and survival in the face of unimaginable trauma.
Conclusion
The tragic story of Diane Downs continues to shock decades later. It serves as a haunting reminder that evil can exist even in those meant to protect and nurture. The pain she caused her children and the loss of innocent life remain a dark chapter in America’s true crime history.