Happy Face Podcast Summary: "The Night of May 19th, 1983"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Happy Face
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: The Night of May 19th, 1983
• Release Date: September 8, 2020
• Description: Happy Face delves into the harrowing true story of Melissa Moore and her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, a notorious serial killer. This episode focuses on the tragic events of May 19, 1983, exploring the brutal crimes, the ensuing investigation, and the lasting impact on Diane Downs and her children.

1. Introduction to the Crime ([04:05] - [06:10])

The episode begins by recounting the tragic events of the evening of May 19, 1983, when Diane Downs and her three children were involved in a harrowing incident on Mohawk Road.

• Melissa Jeltson ([04:05]): "The story of the crime begins on the evening of May 19, 1983. Diane Downs and her three children are riding along Mohawk Road."

Diane recounts her version of events, asserting that she was stopped by a stranger who then violently attacked her family in a failed carjacking attempt.

• Diane Downs ([04:54] - [05:14]): "Diane was on the road at 10pm on a school night with her three young children. According to Diane, her kids liked to sightsee, and they would just drive for enjoyment. She stands by her story even now, after several decades in jail."

2. Initial Assault and Immediate Aftermath ([05:14] - [07:30])

Diane describes the assault, where she claims the attacker fired multiple shots at her sleeping children.

• Diane Downs ([05:50] - [06:10]): "In her telling, this guy wants the car. So what does he do? It's dark out, headlights are shining forward. He walks up to the car, leans in and fires five to seven bullets at sleeping kids."

Despite being wounded, Diane managed to drive to a nearby hospital, albeit at a notably slow pace, raising suspicions among investigators.

• Unknown Speaker ([06:10] - [07:30]): "One thing that has struck me then and has always struck me was the testimony of somebody who was driving behind her on Old Mohawk Road... she was going five to seven miles an hour... it's less than two miles to the hospital."

3. Investigation and Growing Suspicion ([07:30] - [12:05])

As police delve into the case, various inconsistencies emerge. Diane's slow driving to the hospital, despite her injuries, becomes a critical point of contention.

• Unknown Speaker ([07:30] - [10:22]): "James recalls the moment he heard about the shootings. 'I didn't think anybody. I really just, I stayed in the moment and I said what? And my dad said yes, your sister has been shot.'"

Diane's brother, James, staunchly defends her innocence, pointing out flaws in the prosecution's case.

• James Downs ([15:23] - [20:06]): "Despite this, James stands by his theory that Diane was not the shooter that night."

4. Forensic Evidence and Policing the Narrative ([18:23] - [22:42])

Forensic scientist Jim Pex provides insights into the gunshot residue (GSR) tests conducted on Diane, explaining limitations due to the type of weapon involved.

• Jim Pex ([18:23] - [19:30]): "There is no barium and antimony in a rimfire cartridge, so there is nothing to find... if you have ever broken your arm, you would know it would be impossible to move your arm."

The discovery of a .22 caliber rifle in Diane's apartment initially points suspicion toward her, but forensic analysis disproves it as the murder weapon.

• Jim Pex ([22:59] - [23:56]): "The rifle was determined not to be the same weapon that fired the bullets at the crime scene... the bullets had markings as if they had been ejected from another weapon, possibly a pistol."

5. Life Before and After the Incident ([24:05] - [26:18])

Investigators found Diane's apartment sparse, which the police interpreted as indicative of a troubled personal life. However, her brother James offers explanations attributing the minimalism to practical circumstances.

• James Downs ([24:40] - [25:46]): "My mom and dad drove to Arizona with a pickup truck... her house was very sparse."

Diane's journals and letters to a man named Robert Nick Knickerbocker are scrutinized for motives, but James counters that these were merely personal outlets.

6. Custody Battle and Psychological Impact ([34:11] - [37:59])

Following the incident, custody of Diane’s children was revoked amid concerns about her mental state and potential threats to the children’s well-being in her presence.

• Narrator ([34:23] - [36:00]): "While Diane's children were hospitalized for their injuries, Diane herself was also undergoing surgery for the injuries to her arm."

The traumatic impact on the surviving child, Christy, is highlighted, emphasizing the complex dynamics of the case.

7. Legal Proceedings and Public Perception ([37:59] - [41:37])

The lack of physical evidence leads the prosecution to rely heavily on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies. Diane maintains her innocence throughout the trial, a stance supported by her family.

• Diane Downs' Family ([39:07] - [37:59]): "James stands by his theory that Diane was not the shooter that night... if you have ever broken your arm, you would know it would be impossible to move your arm."

8. Conclusion and Continuing Impact ([40:16] - [43:01])

The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring mysteries of the case and the quest for truth by Diane’s family. As authorities struggled to piece together the events of that night, the pain and uncertainty lingered, affecting those left behind.

• Episode Wrap-Up ([39:07] - [43:01]): "On the next episode of Happy Face Presents Two Face, Diane sticks to her story... Christie, survivor and daughter of Diane, is getting stronger to share in court what really happened that night."

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Pex ([18:23]): "There's nothing to find... if you have ever broken your arm, you would know it would be impossible to move your arm."

• James Downs ([15:23]): "Despite this, James stands by his theory that Diane was not the shooter that night."

• Diane Downs ([05:50]): "He walks up to the car, leans in and fires five to seven bullets at sleeping kids."

Key Takeaways:

• The case centers around Diane Downs' assertion of innocence against accusations of murdering her children.
• Discrepancies in her behavior post-incident, such as her slow driving to the hospital, fueled suspicions.
• Forensic evidence, including GSR tests, played a pivotal role but had limitations due to the type of weapon involved.
• Family members, particularly her brother James, vehemently support Diane's innocence, highlighting potential flaws in the prosecution's narrative.
• The emotional and psychological toll on the surviving child, Christy, underscores the lasting impact of the tragedy.

Happy Face offers a nuanced exploration of a deeply tragic event, highlighting the complexities of truth, memory, and justice in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.