Podcast Summary: "Happy Face" – Episode: "The Escape"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Happy Face
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
- Description: "Happy Face" delves into the life of Melissa Moore, who discovers in 1995 that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, is a serial killer. The podcast explores Jesperson's brutal crimes and the ensuing cat-and-mouse pursuit by detectives and the media. It also intimately examines the dark legacy he left for his children, particularly Melissa, as she seeks to understand her own identity and forge a better future.
Episode Overview: "The Escape"
- Release Date: October 13, 2020
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Escape," host Andrea Gunning explores a pivotal moment in the narrative of Diane Downs, a central figure entwined in the complex web of true crime that "Happy Face" unpacks. This episode focuses on Diane Downs' daring prison escape, the subsequent manhunt, and the legal intricacies that followed.
Diane Downs' Escape from Prison
At [05:36], Andrea Gunning introduces Diane Downs' attorney, Stephen Gorham, who provides an in-depth account of Downs' escape in 1987. Diane, incarcerated at the Oregon Women's Correctional Center near Salem, Oregon, managed to breach the prison's formidable defenses by scaling and jumping over a 16-foot barbed wire fence ([10:12]).
Stephen Gorham [08:17]: "So when, when the escape happens and she goes over the wire, it's like, wow, she's got some guts that go straight over the fence."
Gorham explains that Diane utilized her knowledge of the local environment, particularly Mill Creek, to evade detection by authorities. Her strategic planning involved disposing of her clothes in the water to eliminate scent trails, enhancing her chances of remaining undetected ([20:14]).
Harboring and Relationships Post-Escape
Once escaped, Diane sought refuge with two men, Bob and Wayne, who lived just blocks away from the women's prison. Through Erik Mason, a reporter covering the escape, listeners gain insight into the dynamics between Diane and her hosts.
Eric Mason [08:19]: "I saw them as people who needed help... They knew I was a reporter. And so I got to know them in the months leading up to her escape."
Wayne developed a complex relationship with Diane, almost bordering on romantic involvement, which complicated their ability to protect her from law enforcement ([14:08]).
Eric Mason [14:08]: "Wayne was the type of guy who was street-smart and really didn't like snitches or people that turned other people in."
The Manhunt and Capture
Despite extensive searches, Diane remained hidden in plain sight, staying close to the prison and blending into the local community. Her familiarity with the area and the assistance from Bob and Wayne allowed her to evade immediate capture. However, her escape was short-lived, culminating in her apprehension and transfer to a more secure facility.
Stephen Gorham [20:14]: "She threw something over the top and kept going."
Legal Perspectives and Post-Conviction Efforts
Stephen Gorham, serving as Diane's post-conviction attorney, discusses the challenges in representing a client he believes to be guilty. He underscores the ethical boundaries of criminal defense, particularly when a client confesses guilt.
Stephen Gorham [28:02]: "If your client tells you that they're guilty, they can't get on the stand and have them say, 'I'm not guilty.'"
Gorham highlights Diane's letter to her attorney, where she alters her account of the crime, further solidifying his stance on her culpability.
Stephen Gorham [43:04]: "To a criminal defense attorney, it's a damning letter."
Diane Downs' Sentencing and Parole
Diane was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 50 years ([37:52]). Despite multiple parole hearings, including the latest one on September 23, she has been consistently denied release, primarily due to her lack of remorse and the high-profile nature of her crimes.
Stephen Gorham [43:44]: "I don't believe she'll ever get out on parole."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Stephen Gorham [08:17]: "So when, when the escape happens and she goes over the wire, it's like, wow, she's got some guts that go straight over the fence."
- Eric Mason [14:08]: "Wayne was the type of guy who was street-smart and really didn't like snitches or people that turned other people in."
- Stephen Gorham [28:02]: "If your client tells you that they're guilty, they can't get on the stand and have them say, 'I'm not guilty.'"
- Stephen Gorham [43:44]: "I don't believe she'll ever get out on parole."
Conclusion
"The Escape" offers a gripping exploration of Diane Downs' attempted freedom and the subsequent legal battles that ensued. Through interviews with key individuals like Stephen Gorham and Eric Mason, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding Downs' case. The episode not only chronicles the events of the escape but also delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by legal professionals and the impact of high-profile crimes on parole decisions.
Looking Ahead: In the next episode, "Bone Valley Season 2," the story continues to unravel the intricate connections between Melissa Moore and her father's dark legacy, further exploring the personal and legal ramifications of living in the shadow of a criminal mastermind.
Listen to "Happy Face" on Paramount+ starting March 20th, where the thrilling drama adaptation stars Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid, bringing Melissa Moore's true-life story to the screen.