Diane Downs

 Diane Downs was convicted in 1984 for shooting her three children a year earlier. Daniel, Cheryl, and Christie Downs were all shot by their mother.

Diane claimed that she had been car-jacked in Springfield, Oregon, however prosecution believed that she had shot her children so she could pursue an affair she was having with a married man.

Much to Diane’s dismay, Christie survived the shooting and was able to provide testimony.  Daniel also survived the shooting.

Diane was sentenced to life for murder, 30 years for attempted murder, and 20 years for first degree assault.

Diane escaped from prison in 1987, but was recaptured only 10 days later.

Two children survived the shooting, Daniel and Christie, and were adopted by one of the prosecutors. The children were both paralyzed.

For more information on the story, there is a Lifetime movie called Small Sacrifices.