ABC 20/20 covers the devilish story of Diane Downs, a mom who killed her daughter in 1983. Everything concerning her whereabouts.
Diane Downs is a convicted murderer. She killed her own daughter and also attempted to kill other two children in May 1983.
The story of Downs has been covered on ABC 20/20’s episode titled, “My Mothers Sins”. It airs on February 4 on ABC and on Hulu.
ABC 20/20: Is Diane Downs Still Alive, Where Is She Now?
Diane Downs is still alive. She was arrested on February 28, 1984, the ninth month after killing her daughter.
The killer mom faced one count of mother and two counts each of attempted murder and criminal assault.
Moreover, she has been given a life sentence and additional fifty years behind the bars.
In 1987, Diane Downs escaped from the Oregon prison where she was being held. Police tracked her down to the home of another inmate’s husband, Wayne Seifer, just blocks from the prison.
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— 20/20 (@ABC2020) February 3, 2022
Downs was applicable for parole after 25 years, however, she faced antisocial personality disorders. Ultimately would not be free.
Her next parole hearing was scheduled in 2010 and set for 2021, although was denied by the court.
What Happened To Diane Downs?
Diane Downs is responsible for killing her own daughter, Cheryl. She had also shot two of her other children.
On May 19, 1983, Downs used a .22 caliber handgun to shoot her three children.
Seven years old Cheryl was already dead when she was taken to McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield.
Her son Danny of just three years was paralyzed from the waist down and eight-year-old Christie had suffered a serious stroke.
The mother herself was shot in her left forearm. At first, Down had blamed a strange man for the traumatic event.
However, the forensic evidence denied her story. Ultimately, the investigator proved her guilty of discovering the murdered weapon.
Furthermore, the mother of three was labeled a deviant “sociopath” with borer line and antisocial personality disorders.
Why Did Diane Downs Lose Custody Of Her Kids?
After the incident, Diane Downs’ two surviving children were adopted by Fred Hugi and his wife.
Prior to her arrest, she became pregnant with her fourth kid.
Amy Elizabeth was born a month after her trial in 1984. Due to her actions, she was seized from her child custody by the State of Oregon.
The baby girl was adopted by Chris and Jackie Babcock, who now has been named Rebecca.
“Though that’s biologically my makeup, it’s not who I am inside.”
Becky Babcock shares how she found peace after learning her mother is child killer Diane Downs.
Watch the full 20/20 “My Mother’s Sins” encore – tonight at 9/8c on ABC. Stream on Hulu. https://t.co/szX89iNASi
— 20/20 (@ABC2020) February 4, 2022
Upon growing up, Rebecca was a part of The Oprah Winfrey Show and ABC’s 20/20. She calls her mom a monster and regrets her deeds.
A book titled Small Sacrifices (1987) details the traumatic life of Downs and her murder trial. A TV show with the same was also released in 1989.