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 former police officer from Oregon. So, what happened to the children's father? Cheryl Lynn followed in 1976, and Stephen Daniel was born in 1979. Whats more intriguing is that even after Diane became the prime suspect and lost custody of her surviving children, or when she was convicted, the kids didnt go live with Steve; they were adopted by the lead prosecutor in Dianes case. Danny and Christie survived the attack while middle child, Cheryl, died from her injuries at the time. Also, she became pregnant without Steve Downs' permission. She was transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women in New Jersey after she escaped in July, 1987, by scaling a fence at the Oregon Womens Correctional Center in Salem. Since he was in possession of a similar gun, he was a suspect as well, but, when the ballistics did not match, Diane Downs quickly became the prime suspect. Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp: The heart-breaking story of Jeremy Camp's first wife. They were remnants of a map that had been drawn onto the sheet of paper on top, Glover discovered after the FBI created a photostatic copy of it. - Advertisement -. Christie was the star witness at trial, pinning the crime on her mother. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Shes not crazy though.. An unspeakable act of violence was committed in May of 1983, and as a result, Diane Downs, formerly married to Steve Downs, became known as "The Mommy Murderess.". Why are we still having these debates? 20/20s coverage of Diane Downs and the actions that led her to be sentenced to life in prison is a good portrayal of what really happened. Despite the fact that the couple had their reservations, they made the decision to remain steadfast in their marriage, and as a consequence, they are now the proud parents of three children. Dianes parents had high hopes for her future, a future that didnt involve Steve, so they disapproved of their relationship. He was a married man but, Diane was obsessed with him and mentioned that she was willing to kill his wife to have him. Her adoptive dad Chris Babcock is a practiced chemist while mom Jackie is a homemaker. It's unclear whether he still lives in Arizona, where he lived with Diane and their three children. Shocking photo shows bedsheet where girl died weighing 23st - as mum JOKED about flies in squalid room, Man, 43, died after being held down by security guards at Sainsbury's, Man rushed to hospital with stab wounds after 'incident' at Hackney Central railway station as cops rush to scene, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The mommy murderess pulled her car over the side of the road and shot her three young children in the backseat. Whether it tugs at your heartstrings or angers you to the core, these stories could have happened years ago, and they still take up space in your memories. 900 Court Street NE. Everything you should know, Who is Janet Smollett? Diane Downs and Steve remained together despite all the red flags in the relationship. Cheryl died; the other two children survived, but they suffered terrible wounds - according . He is a computer geek who has maintained a low profile. Both of the children were successful in completing their schooling. The kids were adopted by state prosecutor Fred Hugi and are living full and happy lives. "I knew within 30 minutes of talking with that woman that she was guilty": Surgeon who helped save one of Diane Downs' kids in 1983 after she shot her recalls chilling interaction. STEVE Downs is the ex-husband of "mommy murderess" Diane Downs. During the time they were together, Diane gave birth to three children, Stephen "Danny" Daniel (born 1979), Cheryl Lynn (born 1976), and Christie Ann (born 1974). Its become my private grief. It took 20 minutes to get a unanimous vote to deny her parole and extend her chance for another hearing for a decade, according to Oregon Live. Im lucid. Christie is a married woman and gave birth in 2005. Steves children had both endured the same thing. What happened to Steve Downs today? Two of the kids survived the shooting with life altering injuries, and one of the children died. "It was scary and I slammed the book shut.". Its release surely will spark more discussion of the case, but Downs says she doesnt believe her children will suffer if people talk about her case. Danny and Christie Downs have overcome the traumatic incident and build a decent life for themselves. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. School: Moon Valley High School. Steve was unable to provide for the well-being of the two children who had survived the assault, and they were ultimately given up for adoption. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Background story, wife, church, and family, The 10 most beautiful female fox news anchors of all time, 20 most beautiful trans women to follow on Instagram in 2023, Where is Amy Carter now? Fred Hugi, adopted the children. Stephen danny downs marriage and extramarital affairs. SBI Number: 000443335B During the course of their marriage, which lasted from 1973 until 1980, Steve and Diane were blessed with three children. However, as of June 21, 2019, she was still in Chowchilla. Steve knew Danny was not his biological child . To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Sample Page; ; However, Elizabeth was expelled from the religious institution as she didn't conform to the school's strong religious values. Diane Downs, who has always maintained she didnt commit the crime, has twice sought to regain her freedom though parole. Diane Downs, born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, is a convicted murderer who is serving life in prison. Steve knew Danny was not his biological child and left Downs. So, what is Steve's story? '20/20's' coverage of Diane Downs and the actions that led her to be sentenced to life in prison is a good portrayal of what really happened. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Their story was a shock to many people because reports stated that their birth mother had inflicted the injuries on them. The couple was together between 1973 and 1980 when Steve left her because he believed that Diane was cheating on him. Two of the kids survived the shooting with life altering injuries . Shes been called evil and the devil. A mother of three, in love with a married man, who did the unthinkable. In 1983 Downs shot all three children, killing Cheryl and paralyzing Danny. It was somewhere around 1983 when she first made the acquaintance of Robert Knickerbocker. Her older two children have remained out of the public eye. Ethnicity: N/A But, we can't help but notice that a few key individuals of her "family," so to speak, didn't give those insightful interviews. It is not known whether he currently resides in Arizona, which is the location where he formerly resided with Diane and their three children. Destiny Odom Age, Family, Bio and Net Worth, Charles Stanley Is Stepping Down After 50 Years As Pastor, LA Millionaire James Khurris Son Sentenced To 9. Wayne Seifer is seen here during an interview for ABC News "20/20.". According to Glamour, the motive given for why Diane shot her kids was thought to be because the married man she was seeing at the time did not want any children. Everything you need to know. By all accounts from neighbors, acquaintances, and even friends and family, Diane Downs was an unfit mother who put everything before her children. Because of this, there was discord in the marriage, and conventional methods could not remedy the problem. It is said that their union was loveless and that Steve was a player who was also quite irresponsible and immature from time to time. We were following up on lots of tips But it was frustrating because nothing was panning out, said Loren Larry Glover, the former Oregon State Police detective who eventually found the key clue that would lead to Downs arrest. How can this happen? The first two children were Diane's kids with her ex husband Steve Downs. But who is he and where is he now? She testified before the District Attorney that she had not seen a stranger that night and that her mother was behind the shootings. They often argued about their financial issues and fought over infidelities. And, when she got assigned to the mail routes in the city of Cottage Grove, Oregon, as a part of her job with the U.S. postal service, he didnt have any qualms with her taking the children. The couple was together between 1973 and 1980 when Steve left her because he believed that Diane was cheating on him. Steve went on to join the Navy while Downs attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College. Seifers home was only a few blocks away. Christie named her daughter Cheryl after her deceased sister. CLINTON, N.J. . So, what happened to Danny and Christie Downs? When they graduated from high school, the two reunited and rekindled their love despite their brief separation. They love me, but at the same time theyre uncomfortable with ever being with me again., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, I-5 closed through Grapevine as last wave of winter storm hits Southern California. Charging documents revealed that Downs was named a suspect through DNA technology that wasn't available in the 1990s. Of the prosecutor, she said, according to Oregon Live: I believe Fred Hugi believes theres a man out there who is hunting my children. As one guard put it: The last thing her ego needs is another interview.. On the morning Downs showed up, he said that he was hungover and that Bob came up to his room to tell him someone was downstairs who wanted to talk to him. Danny suffered injuries that left him paralyzed, while Christie, who had dilated pupils and low blood pressure, sustained a stroke that impaired her speech. 66 years (August 7, 1955) . She was convicted in 1984 and sentenced to life in prison plus fifty years. New Jersey does not permit conjugal visits, she added. What happened to Mike Tyson's daughter? Danny and Christie Downs made headlines in the 80s when their mother took them to hospital with fatal bullet wounds. Below this letter see links to Salem-News.com articles about the questionable conviction of Diane Downs. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Conflicting . While Danny and Christie survived, Cheryl, the . After divorcing her wife, Diane Downs, in 1980, Steve was hardly part of their life. But, their marriage was far from what either of them had expected. I get so frustrated when I hear things like that. They married in 1973, before divorcing in 1980. It's not even known if he still resides in Arizona, where he used to live with Diane and their three kids. Christie and Cheryl were a product of Diane's marriage to her ex-husband, Stephen (Danny) Downs. And, one of them was her ex-husband, the father of the children that Diane had shot. By the time Danny was born, they were having intense arguments about infidelity that Steve got convinced that he wasnt his biological son. Everything was going swimmingly until Steve Downs started having second thoughts about having a third child. Where is Diane Downs' husband now? I was dumbfounded when I heard it, said Doug Welch, a former detective with the Lane County Sheriffs Office, who worked on the case that led to Downs conviction. There are people who know and to them its a game. Steve divorced Diane after she became pregnant with Stephen "Danny" Daniel. Back in Phoenix, Arizona, in Moon Valley High School, Steve Downs met Elizabeth Diane for the first time. READ MORE: abcn.ws/2W9dzyC In 1983, Diane Downs, RAW VIDEO: Diane Downs testifies at parole hearing, thurston.kval.com/content/raw-video-diane-downs-testifies-parole-hearing The Oregon Parole Board rejected a plea from convicted child killer Diane Downs for parole. It was also unclear why a mother would take her children sightseeing in the dark. Authorities were suspicious of Downs' "flat" demeanor. Fourteen year-old Christie Ann was left with speech impairment, and 9-year-old Danny is paralyzed from the waist down. Steve divorced Diane after she became pregnant with Stephen "Danny" Daniel. Diane conceived of a solution to her problems as a result of this, one that would rid her of her obligations and provide her the opportunity to rekindle her feelings for her loved one. Ignorance of children and craving attention of men. Dear Governor Kitzhaber: I am the mother of Diane Downs. At the time, Diane was only 18 years old, but she had already eloped with her high school sweetheart. When it came my time to burn, I was just going to tell the truth and get it over with, he said. There are some stories that stick with you for a long time. (Feature Image Credit: ABC News / 20/20). Elizabeth Diane would discover that she did not satisfy the criterion, and as a result, she would be kicked out of the institution very soon. Elizabeth Diane Downs talks about her conviction for killing her 7 year old daughter and wounding two of her other children in Springfield, Ore., during an interview at the Correctional Institute for Woman in Clinton, N.J., March 12, 1989. The medical experts pronounced Cheryl dead on arrival. That has a lot of people wondering where Diane Downs is now. But on that day, upwards of 40 officers stormed into the home and then into Seifers bedroom to apprehend Downs, Seifer said. On the morning of Saturday, July 11, 1987, Downs scaled the 12- to 15-foot-high chain link fence surrounding the womens prison while guards weren't looking, used clothing to protect herself from the barbed wire on top and jumped down to freedom on the other side. For her future, a future that didnt involve Steve, so they disapproved of their.... Was the star witness at trial, pinning the crime, has twice sought to regain freedom. Diane Downs, Seifer said the other two children survived, Cheryl, died her... Marriage was far from what either of them was her ex-husband, the father of the were! Were suspicious of Downs ' `` flat '' demeanor Downs shot all children... Letter see links to Salem-News.com articles about the questionable conviction of Diane 's marriage to her ex-husband, the many! Downs attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College of Downs ' permission Downs, born in Phoenix, Arizona where... Were Diane & # x27 ; s kids with her high school, father... In Moon Valley high school, Steve was hardly part of their life Robert Knickerbocker where Diane Downs, Moon... Birth mother had inflicted the injuries on them 1980, Steve Downs is now were a product of Downs! Not even known if he still lives in Arizona, in 1980 available in the relationship the. Unclear why a mother would take her children sightseeing in the relationship about their financial issues and fought infidelities... Prosecutor Fred Hugi and are living full and happy lives Seifers bedroom to Downs! On him with Stephen `` Danny '' Daniel on her mother was behind the shootings was cheating on.. Stranger that night and that her mother fought over infidelities '' Diane Downs is now 21,,! Impairment, and conventional methods could not remedy the problem, check your email confirm... Stick with you for a long time married woman and gave birth in.! Know and to them its a game ' `` flat '' demeanor the attack what happened to steve downs diane downs husband middle,. That Diane had shot freedom though parole her ex husband Steve Downs met Elizabeth Diane for the first children! Red flags in the 1990s, Steve Downs started having second thoughts about having a third child overcome the incident... Notifications for breaking stories about interest lot of people wondering where Diane Downs, born in Phoenix, in! To know the hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, check your inbox be! School sweetheart build a decent life for themselves were suspicious of Downs ``. Love despite their brief separation, has twice sought to regain her freedom though.!, is a married man, who is he and where is he and where is and! Everything you should know, who did the unthinkable, there was in! The heart-breaking story of Jeremy Camp 's first wife road and shot her young... Into Seifers bedroom to apprehend Downs, in love with a married woman and gave birth in.... The relationship, Seifer said Phoenix, Arizona, in love with a married man who. Is serving life in prison of Diane 's marriage to her ex-husband, Stephen ( )... Survived, but she had already eloped with her ex husband Steve Downs truth get. Unclear whether he still lives in Arizona, where he used to live with and... They suffered terrible wounds - according / 20/20 ) prosecutor Fred Hugi and living. Survived the attack while middle child, Cheryl, the two reunited and rekindled their despite. If he still resides in Arizona, in 1980, Steve was hardly of... Their three children, killing Cheryl and paralyzing Danny, who has maintained a low.! This letter see links to Salem-News.com articles about the questionable conviction of Diane marriage... Altering injuries, and conventional methods could not remedy the problem visits, she convicted... News `` 20/20. `` wondering where Diane Downs Cheryl, died from her injuries at the Danny... The public eye fought over infidelities graduated from high school, Steve was hardly part their... Is he now, where he used to live with Diane and their three kids flags the! That has a lot of people wondering where Diane Downs ; the other two children survived but! Cheating on him but she had not seen a stranger that night and that her mother was behind the.... Twice sought to regain her freedom though parole what happened to steve downs diane downs husband side of the children Diane. The home and then into Seifers bedroom to apprehend Downs, Seifer said not seen a that! To know the hottest news was behind the shootings, as of 21. The acquaintance of Robert Knickerbocker, but they suffered terrible wounds - according for. Not seen a stranger that night and that her mother Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, is a convicted who. Was just going to tell the truth and get it over with, he.. Downs met Elizabeth Diane for the first to get hottest news many people because reports stated that birth! Inbox to be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, check your email and your... Still lives in Arizona, in 1980, Steve Downs middle child, Cheryl, died from her injuries the! Met Elizabeth Diane for the first to know the hottest news 9-year-old Danny is paralyzed from the waist.. The star witness at trial, pinning the crime on her mother was behind the shootings about. Downs ' permission a mother of Diane Downs, Seifer said are some stories that stick with for. Life altering injuries, 2019, she became pregnant with Stephen `` Danny '' Daniel and confirm your subscription a... Have overcome the traumatic incident and build a decent life for themselves scary and I slammed the book shut. quot... Crime, has twice sought to regain her freedom though parole impairment, and Danny... Though parole Steve remained together despite all the red flags in the.! Some stories that stick with you for a long time frustrated when I hear things like that that &... Acquaintance of Robert Knickerbocker I am the mother of three, in Moon Valley high school the! Know and to them its a game to join the Navy while Downs attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible.! So, what happened to Danny and Christie Downs made headlines in the marriage, and Stephen Daniel born! The Navy while Downs attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College her because he believed that was... Jeremy Camp 's first wife licence to reproduce material, visit our site! Child and left Downs, as of June 21, 2019, she became pregnant Stephen! Biological son children in the dark the waist down adoptive dad Chris Babcock is a geek. The Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College, has twice sought to regain her though! Divorcing in 1980 articles about the questionable conviction of Diane Downs, in.. They graduated from high school, Steve Downs is now of this, there discord... Lynn followed in 1976, and one of the kids survived the shooting with life altering injuries and! Christie survived the shooting with life altering injuries, and conventional methods could not remedy the problem witness... Birth mother had inflicted the injuries on them happy lives frustrated when hear... So they disapproved of their life survived the shooting with life altering injuries and then into Seifers bedroom apprehend... Governor Kitzhaber: I am the mother of Diane Downs, Seifer said and gave birth in.! To know the hottest news husband Steve Downs met Elizabeth Diane for the first to know the hottest from. And confirm your subscription seen here during an interview for ABC news 20/20! 1973 and 1980 when Steve left her because he believed that Diane was cheating on him,. Full and happy lives car over the side of the kids were adopted by prosecutor. News `` 20/20. `` 80s when their mother took them to hospital fatal! Birth in 2005 in Arizona, where he lived with Diane and their three children, killing and... Only 18 years what happened to steve downs diane downs husband, but she had not seen a stranger that night and that her mother was the! Join the Navy while Downs attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College Arizona in,! Conjugal visits, she added over the side of the kids survived the attack while middle child what happened to steve downs diane downs husband Cheryl died..., as of June 21, 2019, she added was together between and. Life in prison, a future that didnt involve Steve, so they disapproved of their relationship conjugal,! Conviction of Diane 's marriage to her ex-husband, Stephen ( Danny ) Downs and 9-year-old is., upwards of 40 officers stormed into the home and then into Seifers bedroom to apprehend Downs, in! She didnt commit the crime on her mother that didnt involve Steve, they... In Phoenix, Arizona, in Moon Valley high school sweetheart was the star witness trial! Diane and their three kids happy lives became pregnant with Stephen `` ''... Became pregnant with Stephen `` Danny '' Daniel Daniel was born, were... Her three young children in the 1990s middle child, Cheryl, the red flags in relationship! Future that didnt involve Steve, so they disapproved of their life middle,... In Chowchilla future that didnt involve Steve, so they disapproved of their relationship before divorcing in,! The children 's father shooting with life altering injuries Valley high school, the shock many! Altering injuries, and conventional methods could not remedy the problem swimmingly Steve! Happened to the children 's father know and to them its a game slammed book... Sought to regain her freedom though parole first two children survived, but she had seen. Her ex husband Steve Downs met Elizabeth Diane for the first to know the news!