Diane Downs Children
Diane Downs shot her three children in her car near Springfield, Oregon, killing one. She claimed a bushy-haired stranger carjacked them. She was convicted of murder and attempted murder.
On May 19, 1983, Diane Downs drove to a hospital near Springfield, Oregon with her three children—Christie (8), Cheryl (7), and Danny (3)—all suffering from gunshot wounds. She had a minor wound to her arm.
Downs told police a 'bushy-haired stranger' had flagged down her car and shot the children during a carjacking attempt. Cheryl died; Danny was left paralyzed; Christie survived.
Investigators noted Downs showed little emotion about her children's injuries and seemed more concerned about her appearance. Her motive was linked to a romantic relationship with a man who didn't want children.
Christie, despite a stroke that affected her speech, testified against her mother. Downs was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and assault in 1984 and sentenced to life plus 50 years. The case was the subject of Ann Rule's book 'Small Sacrifices.'
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