Small Sacrifices summary

Unraveling the Mystery of Diane Downs

In Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule, we are introduced to Diane Downs, a woman who, on a dark night in 1983, drove her blood-soaked car to a hospital, claiming that a stranger had shot her three young children. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the truth is far more sinister than her initial story suggests.

Rule takes us back to Diane's early life, revealing a troubled childhood marked by her father's abusive behavior and her own promiscuity. Despite these challenges, Diane managed to secure a job as a postal worker and became a mother to three children, Christie, Cheryl, and Danny, whom she adored. However, her personal life was chaotic, filled with multiple relationships and a desire for freedom.

The Unfolding of a Horrific Crime

As we delve deeper into Small Sacrifices, we learn about Diane's relationship with a married man, Lew Lewiston, and her obsession with him. She believed that having his child would make him leave his wife and be with her. In a chilling turn of events, Diane decided that the only way to make this happen was to get rid of her own children, whom she saw as obstacles to her happiness.

On the night of the shooting, Diane drove her children to a remote location and shot each of them at point-blank range. She then shot herself in the arm to make it look like she was also a victim. Despite her injuries, she managed to drive her children to the hospital, all the while sticking to her fabricated story of a carjacking and a random shooting.

The Trial and Conviction

As the trial begins, the prosecution presents a compelling case against Diane, highlighting inconsistencies in her story and her bizarre behavior after the shooting. They also bring in a crucial piece of evidence: a diary entry where Diane had written about her desire to be with Lew, free from the burden of her children. The defense, on the other hand, tries to paint Diane as a loving mother who was also a victim of a violent crime.

Despite the defense's efforts, the jury finds Diane guilty of the murder of Cheryl and Danny and the attempted murder of Christie. She is sentenced to life in prison plus fifty years. Christie, the sole survivor, testifies against her mother, providing crucial evidence that helps secure the conviction.

Aftermath and Controversy

In the aftermath of the trial, Small Sacrifices explores the impact of the crime on the surviving child, Christie, who had to come to terms with the fact that her own mother had tried to kill her. The book also delves into the controversial aspects of the case, including Diane's continued denial of her guilt and her multiple escape attempts from prison.

In conclusion, Small Sacrifices is a chilling exploration of a mother's unthinkable act and the devastating impact it had on her family. Ann Rule's meticulous research and compelling storytelling shed light on the complex psychology of Diane Downs, leaving us with a haunting reminder of the capacity for evil that can exist within seemingly ordinary individuals.