S5 Ep40: Diane Downs: Beyond Small Sacrifices

In May 1983, a young Oregon mother arrived at a Springfield hospital with a horrifying story: a stranger had flagged her down on a dark road and shot her and her three children. One child was dead, the other two clinging to life. But hospital staff noticed something strange about Diane Downs: She was superficially injured, eerily calm and oddly focused on her ruined vacation and blood-stained car. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a trail of obsession, manipulation, and diaries revealing a case of betrayal and unthinkable violence that would shock America. Episode Sponsors: Quince. Treat yourself to bedding built to last. Get free shipping and 365-day returns when you shop at . Home Chef. Make home cooking easier and more delicious. Get 50% off your first box, free shipping, and free dessert for life at . ButcherBox. Quality proteins delivered when you need them. Get free steak in every box for a year PLUS $20 off your first box at .

You can listen to S5 Ep40: Diane Downs: Beyond Small Sacrifices online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

S5 Ep40: Diane Downs: Beyond Small Sacrifices is an episode from Crimes of the Centuries.

This episode is 48:07 long.

This episode was published on Jan 5, 2026.

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