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In 1983, Diane Downs drove her three children to an Oregon hospital — one dead, two critically injured — claiming a stranger had attacked them. But investigators quickly uncovered a much darker truth. In this PART ONE episode, we look at the shocking real-life crime committed by Downs and how it was brought to the screen in the 1989 TV movie Small Sacrifices, starring Farrah Fawcett. We explore the case, Diane's past, and how the film captured one of the most cold-blooded crimes in modern history.

Sources:

Small Sacrifices - Ann Rule 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R59i2p7i30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsMXTsU4eq

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObFpAYinB8E

https://vocal.media/criminal/like-the-wolf

https://abcnews.go.com/2020/diane-downs-mother-shoots-children/story?id=10615736

https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/diane-downs-escapes-maximum-security-prison-part-61880673

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1984/06/12/the-mother-38/13b24fdf-7294-4623-ad2d-0665435ceed4/

https://abcnews.go.com/US/woman-finding-peace-learning-mother-child-killer-diane/story?id=61692453

https://entertainmentnow.com/news/diane-downs-children-kids-now-today/

https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/diane-downs-biological-daughter-finds-truth-birth-mom-61880672

https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/courts/2024/11/25/elizabeth-diane-downs-declares-mistrial-in-child-murder-case/76139803007/

https://delanirbartlette.medium.com/diane-downs-hungry-like-the-wolf-22905cecdd97

*This podcast is independently produced using publicly available information and personal research. I approach each story with care and respect, though I recognize that I may not always have access to every voice or perspective involved. If you’re connected to the story and would like to share your experience, I truly welcome the opportunity to include your insights in a future update.

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THEME SONG: "Dance Of Death" by Purple Planet Music collection written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

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