Podcast Summary

Title: Crime Junkie
Host: Ashley Flowers
Episode: SURVIVED: Dianna D'Aiello
Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, hosts Ashley Flowers and Britt delve into the harrowing true crime case of Dianna D'Aiello. This story not only highlights a brutal assault and wrongful conviction but also explores themes of memory reliability and the enduring quest for justice.

Background of the Case

Setting the Scene: Tustin, California, September 30, 1979 (01:58 - 06:54)

Dianna D'Aiello, a 20-year-old woman pregnant with her first child, experiences a nightmarish ordeal in her Tustin apartment. At approximately 2:00 AM, Dianna's neighbor, Judy, is awakened by voices calling her name, thought to be Dianna’s. Moments later, Judy witnesses Kevin Green, Dianna's 21-year-old husband, frantically seeking help after reporting that Dianna has been shot in the head.

Ashley Flowers (01:58):
"This is the story of Diana Diello."

The Attack

Details of the Assault (06:54 - 12:34)

When paramedics arrive, they find Dianna gravely injured with an exposed brain due to a gunshot wound. She is rushed to the hospital, where both she and her unborn child are in critical condition. Detective investigations reveal inconsistencies in Kevin's account, with police initially suspecting him due to a history of domestic violence and behavioral red flags.

Ashley Flowers (09:38):
"He thought it was a large caliber weapon at close range."

Investigation and Initial Suspicions

Domestic Violence and Kevin's Alibi (12:34 - 22:29)

Police uncover a pattern of domestic violence in Kevin and Dianna's relationship. Neighbors report frequent arguments, and Kevin's alibi begins to crumble under scrutiny. Concurrently, a series of similar assaults in the area, known as the "Bedroom Basher" cases, complicates the investigation, leading authorities to consider the possibility of a serial killer.

Ashley Flowers (17:28):
"This doesn't seem to be lost on police because they've written down that quote like word for word twice."

Serial Killer Context

The Bedroom Basher Phenomenon (22:29 - 30:03)

As the investigation progresses, police link Dianna's attack to a broader spree of nighttime assaults targeting women in first-floor apartments. The "Bedroom Basher" was believed to be responsible for multiple murders and assaults across Orange County, creating a climate of fear and urgency in solving these cases.

Ashley Flowers (24:13):
"Less than that. From what I can tell, like, retirement just the task force ran its course."

Emerging Evidence and Gerald Parker’s Confession

Advancements in DNA Testing (40:37 - 48:36)

With advancements in DNA technology in the mid-1990s, Detective Tom Tarpley reopens Cold Cases, particularly focusing on the murders linked to the Bedroom Basher. DNA evidence from Dianna's assault matches that of Gerald Parker, a convicted sex offender previously linked to other violent crimes. Gerald confesses to Dianna's attack, revealing that he was the actual perpetrator, thereby exonerating Kevin Green.

Ashley Flowers (44:47):
"Gerald likely was the man that Kevin saw by the van when he left the apartment that day."

Ashley Flowers (48:36):
"What you can't argue with is DNA."

Exoneration of Kevin Green

Release and Aftermath (48:36 - 60:47)

Following Gerald Parker's confession and the DNA evidence confirming Kevin's innocence, Kevin is released after serving nearly 16 years in prison. He receives compensation from the state but faces the challenge of reintegrating into society after such a prolonged period of wrongful imprisonment. Meanwhile, Diana continues her recovery and grapples with the trauma of her past experiences.

Ashley Flowers (50:19):
"In June of 1996, Detective Tarpley visits Gerald in prison. And Gerald admits that he's been on the verge of confessing all those crimes, which clears Kevin definitively."

Impact on Dianna D'Aiello

Healing and Advocacy (60:47 - 62:54)

Dianna emerges as a beacon of resilience, rebuilding her life despite severe physical and emotional scars. She becomes an advocate for domestic violence survivors and participates in prosecuting Gerald Parker, ensuring that justice is served for her daughter Chantal Marie and other victims. Dianna emphasizes the complexity of memory and the importance of believing survivors.

Ashley Flowers (60:47):
"No matter what happened that night in 1979, Diana is a survivor. That is who she is at her core."

Dianna D'Aiello (62:09):
"There is more to my story than what I survived."

Notable Quotes

1. Ashley Flowers (01:55):
   "This is the story of Diana Diello."

2. Ashley Flowers (09:38):
   "He thought it was a large caliber weapon at close range."

3. Ashley Flowers (17:28):
   "This doesn't seem to be lost on police because they've written down that quote like word for word twice."

4. Ashley Flowers (48:36):
   "What you can't argue with is DNA."

5. Dianna D'Aiello (62:09):
   "There is more to my story than what I survived."

Conclusion

Diana D'Aiello's harrowing journey through violence, wrongful conviction, and eventual vindication underscores the complexities of the criminal justice system and the profound impact of memory and trauma on individuals. Her story is a testament to human resilience and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

Ashley Flowers (60:47):
"No matter what happened that night in 1979, Diana is a survivor."

Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
• Podcast Website: crimejunkiepodcast.com
• Follow on Instagram: @crimejunkiepodcast

This summary captures the essence of the Crime Junkie episode on Dianna D'Aiello, highlighting the key events, investigative breakthroughs, and the profound personal journey of the survivor.