On May 19, 1983, Diane Downs drove her wounded children to a hospital in Springfield, Oregon, claiming they were victims of a carjacking by a mysterious stranger. But as investigators dug deeper, the story twisted into something far more sinister. In this haunting episode of Same Crime, Different Time, host Jennifer Chambers revisits one of Oregon’s most infamous cases: the shocking betrayal of a mother who put her desires ahead of her children’s lives.

We’ll unravel the chilling timeline of events, examine Diane’s disturbing psychological profile, and walk through the dramatic trial that captivated the nation. From eyewitness accounts to eerie interviews and deeply personal local ties, this case still sends chills through the Pacific Northwest.

🔍 Listener discretion advised. This is not just true crime—it’s history with blood on its hands.

Visit: jennifer-chambers.com
Contact: scdtpod@gmail.com
IG: @scdtpod

Dive into the eerie side of Oregon's past in this episode of Same Crime, Different Time. Host Jennifer Chambers explores the lives—and lingering presences—of figures like Eliza Young, the last of the Kalapuya, and the brave Sheriff W. W. Withers. From pioneering women to unsolved murders, we uncover the haunting stories that shaped the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks to writer David Lewis, who has the most incredible book, The Indigenous History of the Willamette Valley, which I very much recommend, and to the researchers at Lane Community College and the University of Oregon.

Most importantly, I appreciate the work done by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, who have generously shared their stories and culture.