Things are a little different this week in the woods…
Get ready for a bonus episode with guest host Mara, who took charge of research and story telling. This week, Jess and Brice get all the sordid and dirty details of the life and crimes one of the most despicable mothers in recent history. Elizabeth Diane Downs.

On May 19, 1983, Diane and her 3 young children were returning home when she claims a "shaggy man" stopped her car on an isolated back road. Allegedly, when she refused to give the keys and car over to the man, Downs and her children were shot. Her middle daughter, only 7 years old at the time, would not survive the incident. The other two siblings would have injuries that would change the course of their lives forever.

Police found nothing to suggest anyone other than Diane had done these horrible things. Even going so far as to shoot her own arm to keep up with her story. While Diane maintained her innocence, and still does, a jury saw right through her act and found her guilty of the crimes. She was convicted of charges of Murder, Attempted Murder and Assault in 1984.

Join us for this special episode, and don't forget to let us know your thoughts!


Some information on this case:

Small Sacrifices book by Ann Rule

Wikipedia page on Diane Downs
https://bit.ly/2RbUL4y

2020 interview
https://bit.ly/3e4GAHx

The Mother
https://wapo.st/331gQW9

Convicted Surrogate
https://wapo.st/333EO2Z