In 1983, Diane Downs shot her three children and blamed it on someone who wanted to steal her car. Diane had a superficial gunshot wound to her arm as she pulled her car into the ambulance bay of a hospital in Springfield, Oregon. She told hospital staff and later law enforcement that a shaggy-haired man had shot them while attempting to steal her car. One of Diane's daughters was pronounced dead at the hospital, while her other two children lived but suffered significant life-changing injuries.

Join Mike and Morf as they discuss Diane Downs, who became one of the most hated women in America. The story she told law enforcement changed a few times, and they quickly saw through it. The blood evidence also contradicted her stories. At trial, Diane's oldest daughter had recovered to the point where she could speak, and she told the packed courtroom that it was her mom who shot them. The motive for the shootings left everyone in disbelief.

You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology

An Emash Digital production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices