She is still in prison. Then ask yourself if thats how you want your son to grow up. She was not given one inch of presumption of innocence. But she suffered from mental illness and the circumstances were traumatic. A fact strongly denied by Diane and by the nurses reports. So yes I think she did it, I think ration left her a long before she did itI think post pardum played in this, I think, she was scattered all over the map.againjust hearing it in her own words. Detective Antoine also performed a trace metal test on Diane I S hands to detect the presence of trace metals left after someone has touched or held something metallic like a gun (Appendix 65). The lovely Farrah Fawcett who played in the movie Small Sacrifices was known for her epic battles with lover Ryan ONeil. It can safely be presumed, other children told their parents, and that some of those parents reported the disturbing revelation to states Attorney, Prosecutor Fred Hugi. Once again, Diane said a lot of things. But Diane was not the one dragging Knick out of Charlenes bed every morning intent on making or breaking his relationship with another woman. it also isnt right that the rules get to keep being changed after the fact as far as how often one may apply for parole. The lack of balance and objectivity. Rule sued the Seattle Weekly after they published the article titled , Ann Rule promotes her books as true crime stories so to this day, viewers believe that the book and the movie titled, This reminds me of what a jail counselor named Rachel Roth said at the trial of Debra Milke , They already had made up their mind that Diane was the perpetrator so they laughed off the idea of the , When I hear some people say that they would have liked to smack that smirk off Dianes face when she interacted with the cops or the media, I say. This is a fascinating and informative article that has answered some questions I had, and prompted others: 1. This is basically the book best kept secrets in condensed form full of outlandish theories. I am all for reviewing facts and getting a decision overturned in cases of corrupt decisions, and many people are on your side and find these cases totally worth their time. Thanks again. It probably was not salacious enough for her readers that she polled online to establish if there was enough interest in the story to fill her pockets with a definite blockbuster. 6. Related To Dorothy Knickerbock. In the end, it is scary how media becomes some kind of Roman circus where people is thrown in order to become a source of business. So, were there any other attempted carjackings in the area that night? Not speculative? The fact that the judge who presided over the child welfare case and the criminal case was the same individual is absolutely a conflict of interest. Bear in mind, that arm consisted of two SHARP bones, cutting at nerves and muscle (1 of bone had been blown out of the arm when the bullet shattered it, leaving three jagged holes in the flesh, out of which bulged torn muscle, and two wedge shaped bones facing each other like dueling swords). Evidence from a ballistics expert. The detectives and the state failed to act properly and it should not be an accepted practice. Are you still taking comments by email? I mention in my blog that when her adoptive dad said that she was coerced and thats why she said she did not know who shot them, that of course she was because this is what she does when under pressure. This reminds me of what a jail counselor named Rachel Roth said at the trial of Debra Milke Its my opinion that this young woman has been judged in a way that signifies something to do with how we view women in our society. It was half baked escape plans that were more in her head than anything and that the media enjoyed blowing out of proportions. DA Pat Horton declared early in the game to the local paper that the search for the bearded stranger was not very high on their priority list.. I care about what was said at trial. Saying that I seem to be doing what I accuse Ann Rule of doing is kind of ironic because the point of this blog is to try to stay away from innuendo and fantasies like unicorns and songs that might have been playing or not during a tragic murder. A. Wasnt he the stranger? She took care of herself not her children. The Downs incident occurred on May 19, 1983, when the 27-year-old mother insisted that she and her three children had been shot by a stranger on a deserted road in Springfield, Oregon. When she resisted, he shot her kids and struggled with her. They were in their care during the time Diane worked when she moved to Oregon. The only living witness to the crime was Christie, whose stroke impaired her speech and made her unable to speak to police. Actor Robert Blake was found not guilty of the shooting murder of his wife. Discover work experience, company details, and more. Nobody knows but her. He needed, now more than ever, to vacate the area asap. During Dianes examination at trial, Fred Hugi said in front of the jury, in the form of a question, that she had been diagnosed as a , Anne Rule made a big deal of a brass unicorn engraved with the childrens names that Diane had purchased. Even put in different hospitals. Instead, they treated the Downs with great cruelty long after their daughter was incarcerated and they fought hard for them. Leslie Van Houten is an example of a woman who probably will never see the light of day because of her high profile status. Prosecutors argued that Downs wanted to kill her children so she could be free to continue her affair with Robert Knickerbocker, who had been adamant that he did not want children. But the high profile nature of the case might hinder the process. Likewise, Charlene had no intention of letting Knick divorce her (Appendix 81, page 1518, line 15). I never found a photo of James C. Jagger online. You read a few comments. Knick never signed the premarital agreement and Diane never married him. The person who shot the kids was leaning inside the car because they were shot at close range. This is a scenario pretty hard to believe, but as they say, reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction. That testimony was left unchallenged by Mr. Jagger. I feel sorry for Diane too. Whats wrong with the system is whats wrong with us. They checked her shoes and they were clean. The price of celebrity for her was losing her freedom and her children for life. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Investigators found out that Diane had written letters to Robert almost every day, but they were almost all returned to her unopened. 2. Mr. But for what it is worth, I believe she tried to kill her 3 kids. And if you add the fact that they never found the gun, it doesnt leave much evidenceto back upthe theory that she was the shooter. Robert Knickerbocker first came into the eyes of the investigators when, upon arrival at the hospital to visit her children after the incident, Diane phoned him looking extremely calm. I must humbly admit that I had not questioned the facts of the case before readily accepting this image of Diane as a cold blooded killer. This was all logged in Christies hospital reports and is found in the Appendix of the petition filed in Federal Court in 1996 in the section Hospital Reports.. Yes, I usually answer the emails I get about the blogs. Downs brought authorities to the crime scene, where police found spent .22 caliber bullet casings, but could not find a weapon. It is normally done (in fact in many jurisdictions, can ONLY be done) by going through the process in a different state or county then the one the applicant works with. It was a harrowing, shameful miscarriage of justice. In fact, if someone was Hungry like the Wolf in this courtroom, it was a certain crime author who could already smell and taste the fortune coming her way after the publication of this juicy story. My website is in the process of being migrated so it has no photos. On June 20, 2001, mother of five Andrea Yates drowned her children, who ranged in age from six months to seven years, in the bathtub at her home in Houston, Texas. One of them named Angel, called 15-year-old Christie on the phone. Why would anyone think Christie could remember the night of the shooting anyway?? Surely before Diane downs, there were other mothers who killed their kids..or allegedly did, however in 83 and 84 it made national news, nothing quite like it had come across the media world, which during that decade was really skyrocketing in sensationalismI believe is where it started, becoming less news and more entertainment. It took a lot of time to research this case and present the other side of the coin. Plus: California man uses Bitcoin to pay hitman to murder his ex; police accuse woman of abandoning baby found frozen to death in 1985; woman who may be victim of alleged D.C. serial killer identified; and Ghislaine Maxwell makes bid for lighter sentence. The powers that be knew they had nothing on Diane so Christie became their sacrificial lamb. I still remember my mother picking up the paper and seeing the headline. All the years in prison probably made her way more disturbed than she ever was. The children were in the hospital, it isnt like they could have taken them home. Jeff, you mention being harsh as if there was a justification for it. If Diane was bipolar, the non-stop chatter would have been inherent to the situation: bipolar wasnt a diagnosable condition at the time of her first trial. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. Either way, it appears to be a conflict of interest. I didnt know that. And according to the law, she should have been released by now, independently of what she says or not. She was interrogated without a representative from the defense and was not taped for the most part. If not, why not? Her arm was severely damaged, so shattered that she needed a graft from a hip bone. If appropriate family members could not be found to take placement of the children then family friends are the next step. The reason she is likely locked up is because she was diagnosed with narcissistic, histrionic and anti social personality disorder, that makes her a very dangerous person (especially since she is a murderer). And Robert Knickerbocker became one of her lovers. Diane had moved to Oregon only 6 weeks before the tragedy to work in the area and have her parents spend time with the kids. The details about the gun missing, the daughters testimony and the fact that she had no blood or gun residues are facts. On July 21, she was recaptured less than half a mile away from the prison at a house with a group of men. If I included the ones I dont post, it would need more than a like or dislike button. Also known as Robert K Knickerbocker, Robert K Knickerbocke, R K Knickerbocker, R . I accept that it is sometimes necessary but I believe in rehabilitation. Postal Service to be closer to her parents. She was in solitary confinement for years and even escaped from prison once but was recaptured. Considering the circumstances, it is difficult not to be a bit cynical about this grand gesture: relevance? But you dont mention that she again has changed her story. They did not like her attitude and she did not behave the way they expected a grieving mother to act. Wasnt Mr. F supposed to be a child molester? Downs was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 7, 1955, to Danish and English American parents Wesley Linden and Willadene Frederickson. It turned out to be a mistake because he was married to a County Circuit Court Judge who would become a colleague of Foote and he had no intention of defending Diane vigorously. Her family supported her. Therefore, my understanding is that the original sentence is deemed indefinite with parole hearings every 10 years. She is nowhere near being paroled and if she admitted guilt, I am not even convinced they would release her. Everything I outlined should be public knowledge. But I am realistic. He still shouldnt have been allowed to adopt them while the appeals process was ongoing, if he had any role in those cases. 1st, you came back from a trip? She could not have been shot twice in the back while sitting up and have the bullet pierce her body to end up under the floorboard of the passenger side. If she was the shooter, it had to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. You said yourself that the title was revealing. But there is forensic evidence pointing to Diane Downs. Or why the fact that he was a con artist made him such a credible guy in this case. I think she was the only one there that night with her children. Maybe she wanted to buy drugs. 132 records for Robert Knickerbocker. She was still trying to extricate herself from a bad relationship with Steve Downs and was in no hurry to repeat the mistake. View Robert Knickerbocker results in Florida (FL) including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. I am quite bothered by what happened in that courtroom and in the media. Because she had driven that area for years for her work. To Lori time it was the situation was down. Right after the shooting, little Danny would ask the nurses, , Even Ann Rule in her book, keeps mentioning that, Every time, she said she did not know, they told her to think again and made suggestions. Resides in Scottsdale, AZ. Instead of shooting the little kids, why didnt the carjacker/killer (CK) simply shoot DD dead and take her car? How interesting. It has nothing to do with the facts of the case. Something that would never stand in court now. She did not fit in and was now anxious to assert her independence and live her own life. No excuse there. I guess he did not want too many people to know about the improprieties that happened in his courtroom: I guess? Our legal system is not perfect. But Diane couldnt do that. Five doctors have observed and documented this phenomenon. Knick had NOT signed the premarital agreement, but that didnt stay his pursuit of Diane, knowing she was moving 1200 miles away. The authorities wanted to see them mourn and fall apart. No. I agree that the verdict may have been very different. The american system often reminds me of what Charles Dickens talked about in his novels. The problem was, Diane has a long-documented history of adversely reacting to tranquilizing drugs. You hit the nail on the head by stating that in the US especially, they seem to shun complex ethical problems preferring to deal with absolute evil in order to exert absolute power to crush it. It has become entertainment and there can only be good, bad and evil. The ghastly crimes were not perpetrated by a nameless, faceless stranger as she told police, but seemingly by Diane Downs herself. Diane clearly would have had to have had her rights terminated by the court. They went after Diane at trial for tapping her foot when they played Hungry like the wolf. Reasonable doubt is most certainly lacking. No gun, no blood or gun residue on her and if she shot them, these elements should have been there. She was judged very harshly for her character and her defense was dismal. The states own witness, Dr. George Suckow and Dr. Polly Jamison denounced Prosecutor Hugis practice as improper and unethical (Appendix 101 and 104). She may be highly vulnerable to losing control of her emotions in emotionally charged situations, creating faulty judgment and ineffective and inappropriate behavior. I go through every new finding and I point out what was done at trial that did not respect due process. Resides in Woodlawn, TN. I would like to raise the numerous issues with this blog. 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I am posting Jamesanswer: Yes the allegations were said and you cannot take back what was saideven if retracted After the shooting, Robert even came clean to his wife about the affair, and then, went on to help the police in their investigation. Not that Dianes mental health was not a factor in her letter, but it was definitely taken out of context in some instances. And after Diane left Arizona she didnt call Knick to inquire about his love, but rather about when he would repay the $500 (Appendix 81, pages 1479-1480). Its as if they cant control it. What a terrible injustice. Not exclusively a USA trait, this happens also in many countries, but in a technologically advanced superpower like USA this attitude is more shocking, and maybe also more worldwide spread. A. I was still living in the house, yes, sir. You mention that her attorney should have raised objections. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. She repeated it years later at school. so which one is it????? Her husband turned out to be a player and a very irresponsible guy who did not really love her. In high school, she met handsome Steven Downs who saw her for the great beauty she had become. But why was the judge in family court hopping over to criminal court? The role of Diane Downs was played by none other than Farrah Fawcett and her lover was played by Ryan ONeal who had been Farrahs love interest in real life. He should have let someone else handle the case or let someone else adopt the kids. Lets not take that lightly. . Foote denied the motion and declared you have an attorney, use him.. It became judicial kidnapping to obtain a coerced confession. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Do not take this so personally. And yes, its your site, but dont act like a site is open for discussion if its not. When the trial began, Christie Downs, then nine-years-old, had recovered the ability to speak and she provided extremely damaging testimony for the prosecution. Years later, seven witnesses signed affidavits telling of a man named Jim Haynes continuing confessionthat he wasthe shooter, and his appearance boresimilarities to the sketch. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. In case you did not read the blog: During Dianes examination at trial, Fred Hugi said in front of the jury, in the form of a question, that she had been diagnosed as a deviant sociopath. I couldnt get my hands on the book nor find anything in librariesso basically it was many years later I dove into knowing more about this case, that kinda haunted me. She did not have the opportunity to clean her hands with the right product to erase all traces and she was tested pretty fast, contrary to many other cases. Diane found a full-time job with the U.S. Post Office in 1981, and was stationed in Chandler. Robert Knickerbocker was never a suspect or a person of interest in the case. On her way to the hospital,she was followed by someone who said she was going slow, but Diane said she was driving fairly fast. Have you actually read the transcript of the trial?? In the nurses notes, she is described as in shock and unable to grasp the situation. I had never heard of this case before I read her book (Im not from or do not live in the USA), but I found myself constantly despairing at the authors unfounded judgements and wild suppositions. This is not the reason she is still locked up. N u pleaded guilty of murdering ur husband. These women did not show emotions and did not fold when asked to. On May 30, 1983, the McKenzie-Willamette Hospital Chaplain told Dianes father to hire an attorney because the State was going to take his grandchildren away. The fact that the Hugis did so successfully is arguably proof of this. At what point during these meetings did she start calling him Dad? Because Foote was already familiar with the case, the presiding judge assigned him the murder trial after Downs was charged with the shootings. None of this is EVIDENCE of anything in regard to the murder trial, and not once did I read that it was. (He WAS shot in the back remember). Diane, of her own admission, had plenty of affairs while she worked at the Post Office. From what Ive read, she gets a parole hearing every decade and the next time in 2030 she will be 75. Your prayers were answered. Lise do you know if the kids have ever reached out to the grandparents/family in the last few years? They now throw people in prison in the US for debts. It wasnt simply her demeanor that got her convicted. Dianes father tried to hire Melvin Belli, but the judge refused to give him some time to prepare and come back to the US. A. I believe Charlene and I had a big blowout around Thanksgiving and I left, called Diane. The forensic evidence alone is absolutely weak. But you sure did comment like a true asshole, huh? So imagine when you are troubled to begin with. Crime is entertainment and big money so this case will continue to be on the forefront and the same assumptions will be repeated over and over again. Diane Downs changed her story so many times, even at her parole hearing. Apparently drug mafia wanted to punish her for messing her nose in forbidden places, not because she was getting any real business in that but simply because she had one of the poorest judgements a person can have. The fact that the children were in no way protected by Child Protection Services is undeniable. She was the prosecutions only hope. Yes, I had to go and sign the lease, yes, sir. The only reason they kept her in prison even if she had all the right documentation and support, is because she is high profile. Is it too late to respond to this? One of them named Angel, called 15-year-old Christie on the phone. When he said that he and his wife had reconciled he wasnt lying either, because, throughout the investigation and the trial in which Robert testified against Diane his wife stood by him. UNLOCK PROFILE. We will never know what really happened because the authorities acted too hastily and the media was a huge hindrance. They checked her nails to see if she could have buried the gun and they were clean. If, as Proctor said, it was exchanged right away, and the other Ruger was subsequently stolen by Steven, how was it remotely possible for him to have this info? Clickhere to read about faulty ballistics.. Clearly the social workers were working with the DAs office and taking advice on best interest of the children from them.
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