Small Sacrifices Ann Rule: A Gripping Tale of Betrayal and Deception

The True Story of Diane Downs

In the world of true crime, few stories are as chilling and captivating as the case of Diane Downs, a seemingly ordinary mother who committed an unthinkable crime. Ann Rule, the renowned author of true crime novels, delves into this dark tale in her book "Small Sacrifices," bringing forth a narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

A Tail of Deception

Diane Downs was a mother living in Oregon during the early 1980s, seemingly devoted to her three children. However, beneath her friendly facade lurked a sinister motive. In May 1983, Diane committed an unthinkable act; she shot her three children, leaving her youngest dead and the other two severely injured.

The motive behind Diane's actions was rooted in her obsession with a married man who had made it clear that he did not want children. Diane believed that by eliminating her children, she could have a chance at a relationship with this man. This shocking revelation would send shockwaves through the community and leave countless individuals questioning the depths of human depravity.

Small Sacrifices

by Ann Rule (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4139 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	536 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Investigation and Trial

As authorities began to unravel the truth behind the crime, Diane's web of lies began to crumble. Her elaborate stories about a mysterious carjacker who shot her children were debunked, leading to her arrest and subsequent trial. However, proving Diane's guilt proved to be a challenging task.

During the trial, Ann Rule skillfully takes readers through the court proceedings, showcasing the evidence against Diane and the manipulative tactics she used to evade justice. Rule's meticulous research and vivid storytelling transport readers into the courtroom, making them feel like they are part of the jury, deliberating on one of the most shocking criminal cases of the time.

The Impact and Legacy

The release of "Small Sacrifices" propelled Ann Rule's career and solidified her reputation as one of the leading true crime authors of our time. Rule's ability to humanize the victims and delve into the twisted psyche of the killer sets her apart from other authors in the genre.

The case of Diane Downs continues to captivate and horrify readers decades after the crime occurred. It serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can reside within seemingly ordinary individuals, and the devastating consequences that follow.

In the world of true crime, Ann Rule's "Small Sacrifices" stands out as an engrossing and haunting tale of betrayal and deception. This gripping book takes readers on a journey through the mind of a cold-blooded killer, showcasing the consequences of obsession and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

Rule's ability to paint a vivid picture of the crime scene, weave a compelling narrative, and provide insightful analysis makes "Small Sacrifices" a must-read for true crime enthusiasts. Prepare to be hooked from the first page and immersed in a world where deceit and heartbreak intertwine.

Small Sacrifices

by Ann Rule (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4139 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	536 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Ann Rule's shocking and powerful account of the destructive forces that drove Diane Downs, a beautiful young mother, to shoot her three young children in cold blood. Includes 11 photos!

On the evening of May 19th, 1983, Diane Downs arrived at Mckenzie-Willamette Hospital driving a blood splattered Nissan. Inside were her three children (Christie Ann 8, Cheryl Lynn 7, and Stephen Daniel 3) in critical condition, lying in the back seat suffering from fresh gunshot wounds. Downs herself had been shot in the arm and immediately told authorities that a “bushy haired stranger” flagged her down on the side of a nearby deserted road and proceeded to shoot her three children, and then herself. She claimed she barely managed to get into the car and drive off, leaving the man behind. Two of Downs’ children, Christie Ann and Stephen Daniel, were expected to make a full recovery, while Cheryl Lynn passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital. Downs’ strange and cold reaction to this news was what immediately heightened the suspicions of the hospital staff and authorities, contributing to her becoming the lead suspect. As the investigation continued, her version of the story became more convoluted and new evidence against her led to her arrest.

In 1989 SMALL SACRIFICES was made into the popular TV movie of the same name starring Farrah Fawcett, which earned her an Emmy nomination.

“This searching analysis of the shooting of three children in Oregon by their mother devolves into a study of personality….Under police questioning she recalled her childhood with a cold, domineering father who abused her sexually, her weak mother, a rape by one of her bosses, her failed marriage and many men with whom she had sex. One of these men, whom she claimed to love, did not want children, and that may have prompted the crime, speculates the author. The greatest strength of this book is the exploration by ex-policewoman Rule of the aberrant personality of Downs, who is now imprisoned and not eligible for parole until 2020.” -Publishers Weekly

“A harrowing pathological portrait, a nearly unthinkable triple-murder plot, a hold-your-breath police procedural and a tale of dedication and compassion all superbly combined to produce the most riveting true-crime account since In Cold Blood. From her heartbreakingly ironic rifle to her final satisfying "revelation," Rule guides her readers through a Middle American world of violence and shopping malls, of sexual obsession and pizzas ""to-go,"" of child abuse and music videos...Thus begins this true tale of a modern Medea. His suspicions aroused by Downs' apparent lack of interest in her children's survival and by glaring discrepancies in her story, Assistant District Attorney Fred Hugi investigates What he finds will not only have readers gasping in horror but pondering the dark irrationalities lurking in American society as well. What could have been in lesser hands merely a sensationalist 80's gothic becomes, thanks to Rule's painstaking research and more-than-considerable literary skills, a work of resonance and revelation. Paced with masterful assurance, incorporating verbatim trial transcripts and diary entries, probing the reactions of the Oregon townspeople, this narrative maintains its breath-stopping tension to the very end. Sure to be talked about for a long time to come.” - Kirkus Reviews