Criminal, Interrupted is a true crime podcast that dives into cases where something doesn’t add up.
As the host of Criminal, Interrupted, I studied psychological science and criminology, and being a level of understanding of human behaviour and storytelling to the podcast. Once a week, I share a case that lingers in my mind and I invite listeners to explore the stories with me.
In Part One, we spoke about the path that led Diane Downs to the night of May 19th, 1983 , from her strict and turbulent upbringing, to the birth of her three children, to the shooting that left one dead and two fighting for their lives.
We spoke about her arrival at McKenzie‑Willamette Hospital and the early steps investigators took as they tried to make sense of what she claimed had happened on Old Mohawk Road. By the end of that night, detectives had their first look at Diane’s version of events, and their first quiet doubts.
Part Two picks up from that point. This episode follows the unraveling of Diane’s story, the mounting evidence against her, and the courtroom battle that would ultimately determine her fate. If you haven’t done so already, please listen to Part one of the Diane Downs Case.
Content Warning:
This episode discusses the death of children, viewer discretion is advised.
References:
Diane Downs: Her Children Got in the Way of Her Love by Joseph Geringer
World's Most Evil Killers - Diane Downs
Inside Edition - The True Story of Diane Downs: How a Mother Shot Her 3 Kids for Her Lover
Youtube Dreading - When a Mother Kills Her Children: The Case of Diane Downs
27 Mar 2026
World's Worst Mother: Diane Downs (Part One)
In May 1983, a young mother named Diane Downs rushed into an Oregon hospital with a story that seemed like a parent's worst nightmare. She claimed a stranger had stopped her on a rural road and opened fire on her three kids. By the time they reached the ER, one child was gone, and the other two were fighting for every breath.
This episode will be in two parts due to the length of information. If you enjoy these episodes, I encourage you to follow or subscribe to Criminal, Interrupted on your favourite podcast app. As I’ve mentioned before, I'm currently focusing on this podcast full-time due to a heart condition, so every follow and review makes a huge difference. Thank you for listening, and for your incredible support.
Diane Downs: Her Children Got in the Way of Her Love by Joseph Geringer
World's Most Evil Killers - Diane Downs
Inside Edition - The True Story of Diane Downs: How a Mother Shot Her 3 Kids for Her Lover
Youtube Dreading - When a Mother Kills Her Children: The Case of Diane Downs
22 Mar 2026
A Monster Killing Another Monster: The Death of Ian Huntley
This episode examines the fatal 2026 attack on Ian Huntley inside HMP Frankland and the identification of Anthony Russell as the inmate charged with his murder. I outline the events leading to Huntley’s death, Russell’s criminal history, and the public reaction that followed.
Note: This isn’t a long episode as there isn’t much information out there regarding Anthony Russell.
Content Warning:
This episode contains factual discussion of murder, child abuse, sexual violence, and assaults on vulnerable individuals.
References:
Wikipedia: Anthony Russell
Wikipedia: Soham Murders
Youtube: Truly Criminal - Anthony Russell: The Killer of Ian Huntley
The Independent: Inmate appears in court charged with murder of Soham killer Ian Huntley
ITV News: Timeline into Anthony Russell's seven days of murders in Coventry and Leamington
Podcast: Criminal, Interrupted - The Soham Murders: Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman
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