Where is Diane Downs Now 2023? What Did Diane Downs Do?

Diane Downs is in Valley State Prison for Women, serving a life sentence. She's been denied parole and last eligible in 2020. Check recent news for updates.

by Jayasree D

Updated Dec 18, 2023

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Where is Diane Downs Now 2023? What Did Diane Downs Do?
Fresherslive

Where is Diane Downs Now 2023?

Diane Downs is currently serving a life sentence in the Valley State Prison for Women. In 1984, she was convicted of shooting her three children, killing one of them. Downs claimed she was carjacked, but evidence pointed to her guilt.

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After escaping in 1987, she was recaptured and received an additional sentence. Despite being eligible for parole, she was denied in 2008 and 2010. Downs became eligible to apply for parole again in late 2020. 

What Did Diane Downs Do?

Diane Downs, born in 1955, is a convicted murderer who shot her three children in 1983. Living in Oregon, USA, Downs had a troubled personal life, including a divorce and an affair. In May 1983, she shot her kids in her car and then herself, claiming a stranger had carjacked them. Suspicion arose due to her calm demeanor and inconsistent details. When she reached the hospital, one child had died, and the others were severely injured.

Authorities found no evidence supporting her version. Downs was arrested in 1984, convicted of murder and other charges, and sentenced to life in prison. Despite being eligible for parole, she was denied multiple times. Downs is currently serving her sentence in the Valley State Prison for Women.

Who is Diane Downs?

Diane Downs, born in 1955, is a woman from Phoenix, Arizona, known for a tragic and notorious crime. In 1983, she shot her three children, killing one of them, in a car on a remote road in Oregon. Downs claimed they were victims of a carjacking, but suspicions arose due to her unusual behavior. She had a troubled personal life, including a divorce and an affair.

Authorities found no evidence supporting her story, leading to her arrest in 1984. Downs was convicted of murder and other charges, receiving a life sentence in prison. Despite being eligible for parole, she was denied multiple times. Downs is currently serving her sentence in the Valley State Prison for Women.

Birth Name

Elizabeth Diane Frederickson

Birthdate

August 7, 1955

Birthplace

Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.

Occupation

Former Postal Worker

Criminal Status

Incarcerated

Convictions

Murder, Attempted Murder (2 counts), Criminal Assault (2 counts)

Escape

Escaped briefly in 1987, later recaptured

Marriage

Married Steve Downs in 1973, divorced in 1980

Children

5

Diane Downs Age

Elizabeth Diane Frederickson, known as Diane Downs, was born on August 7, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona, making her 68 years old. She worked as a postal worker. Diane's criminal status is "Incarcerated," and her earliest potential release is in 2025. She was married to Steve Downs from 1973 to 1980 and has five children.

In 1983, Diane faced legal troubles for a tragic incident in Springfield, Oregon, on May 19, where she was convicted of murdering one child and attempting to murder two others. The criminal penalty imposed on her is life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Diane briefly escaped from custody between July 11-21, 1987.

Diane Downs's Early Life

Diane Downs, born Elizabeth Diane Frederickson on August 7, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona, had a challenging early life. Her parents, Wesley and Willadene Frederickson, had strict conservative values, forbidding her from wearing fashionable clothes or makeup. Diane faced bullying due to her appearance. Despite her parents' disapproval, she became rebellious after turning 14.

She graduated from Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, where she met her future husband, Steve Downs. Diane enrolled at Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in California but was expelled for "promiscuous behavior." She married Steve in 1973, had three children, and divorced in 1980 due to allegations of infidelity. Diane's troubled relationships and upbringing played a role in the events that led to her notorious criminal case in 1983.

Diane Downs Career

Diane Downs worked as a postal worker during her career. She was employed by the United States Postal Service, assigned to mail routes in the city of Cottage Grove, Oregon. Downs' career at the postal service was part of her life before the tragic events that led to her criminal conviction in 1984.

Despite her professional life, Downs gained notoriety for the incident on May 19, 1983, when she shot her three children in Springfield, Oregon, claiming they were victims of a carjacking. This criminal act marked a stark contrast to her role as a postal worker, leading to her imprisonment and a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

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Where is Diane Downs Now 2023- FAQs

1. Where is Diane Downs Now in 2023?

Diane Downs is currently serving a life sentence in the Valley State Prison for Women. 

2. What Did Diane Downs Do?

Diane Downs, born in 1955, shot her three children in 1983, claiming a carjacking. Arrested in 1984, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life, she was denied parole multiple times.

3. Who is Diane Downs?

Diane Downs, born in 1955, is a convicted murderer who shot her children in 1983, facing suspicion due to her calm demeanor. She's serving life in prison.

4. What are the Key Details of Diane Downs' Biography?

Diane Downs, born Elizabeth Diane Frederickson, faced legal troubles in 1984 for shooting her children. She's incarcerated, and her earliest possible release is in 2025.

5. What is Diane Downs' Early Life Like?  

Diane Downs, born in 1955, had a challenging early life with strict values. After high school and an expelled college stint, she married, had children, and faced a troubled marriage leading to a notorious crime.

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