Happy Face - Episode: The Trial
Host: Dana Timms | Release Date: September 29, 2020
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "The Trial" from the iHeartPodcasts series Happy Face, host Dana Timms delves deep into the harrowing 1984 trial of Diane, a mother accused of brutally murdering her children on Old Mohawk Road. This episode not only explores the chilling details of Diane's crimes and the subsequent legal battle but also examines the profound impact of her actions on her family and the community.
The Build-Up to the Trial
The trial was slated to begin in May 1984, approximately a year after the tragic incident ([02:23]). The courtroom became a focal point for national media, with reporters clamoring for front-row seats. "It was the place to be," Dana recalls, highlighting the intense public and media interest that surrounded the case.
Diane's Enigmatic Behavior
From the onset, Diane's demeanor in court was both perplexing and unsettling. Despite being pregnant, she exuded confidence and a sense of performance. Dana describes Diane's appearance and behavior:
"By the time trial came around, she was looking healthier. She was, like, much more pregnant. She dressed in a different outfit every day... accessorize, you know, she's got it going on." ([04:26])
Eric Mason, a key witness, provides a vivid account of Diane's courtroom antics:
"It was almost like somebody backstage at a rock concert ready to go out on stage...I am literally a son of a killer." ([04:40])
This portrayal painted Diane as someone who thrived on attention, exhibiting type A narcissist behavior that baffled both the prosecution and defense.
Prosecution's Strategy and Forensic Evidence
Prosecutor Fred Hugie took a methodical approach, presenting crucial forensic evidence that significantly undermined Diane's defense. Dana details Hugie's strategy:
"Fred Hugie putting on first the doctors and nurses from Mackenzie Willamette Hospital that had treated her." ([07:04])
A pivotal moment came with the testimony of forensic scientist Jim Pex, who introduced blood spatter analysis that contradicted Diane's account of the events:
"Based upon what we see on the rocker panel, that's not a possibility." ([21:20])
Pex further explained the shooting dynamics, effectively dismantling the defense's narrative of a "shaggy-haired stranger" being the perpetrator.
Defense's Attempts to Raise Doubt
Diane's defense attorney, Jim Jagger, faced an uphill battle with limited evidence. He endeavored to portray Diane as an abused wife, attempting to divert suspicion by questioning the thoroughness of the police investigation:
"He was really trying to build a case around the fact that here was somebody who'd been identified and there was a sketch and the police had really done very little to find this person." ([07:04])
Jagger emphasized reasonable doubt, highlighting the gaps in the prosecution's case and the lack of substantial evidence to pin the murders solely on Diane.
The Critical Testimony of Christy
A turning point in the trial was the poignant testimony of Christy, Diane's nine-year-old daughter. Dana recounts the emotional moment:
"Do you know who shot you?" Christy asked. "My mom." ([29:55])
This heart-wrenching admission left the courtroom in stunned silence, effectively sealing Diane's fate in the eyes of the jury.
The Verdict and Sentencing
After six weeks of deliberation, which extended into a three-day session concluding on an early Sunday morning, the jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict. Diane was convicted on one murder charge, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of attempted murder. Judge Foot sentenced her to 50 years in prison with a minimum of 30 years to be served, stating:
"I don't think you should ever be in society again." ([31:49])
Aftermath: Adoption and Diane's Last Hours
In the wake of Diane's conviction, Fred Hugie felt a profound sense of responsibility towards the surviving children. Dana notes:
"Fred Hugie clearly felt a responsibility and connection to the children, something that he never openly discussed to any extent." ([37:30])
Shortly after the verdict, Diane gave birth to a baby girl. Despite her incarceration, she was able to hold her newborn for several hours before being transported to the women's state prison in Salem. Doug Welch, a deputy who tended to Diane during the trial, reflected on this tender moment:
"She had been so pregnant with that trial, and she was able to hold her baby for four or five hours." ([40:52])
Conclusion
"The Trial" episode of Happy Face offers an in-depth exploration of a deeply disturbing case marked by intense media scrutiny, intricate legal maneuvering, and heartbreaking personal tragedies. Dana Timms masterfully navigates through the complexities of Diane's trial, shedding light on the psychological nuances and forensic breakthroughs that ultimately led to justice for the victims. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of such crimes on families and communities.
Notable Quotes:
- Dana Timms ([02:23]): "It was the place to be."
- Eric Mason ([04:40]): "It was almost like somebody backstage at a rock concert ready to go out on stage...I am literally a son of a killer."
- Jim Pex ([21:20]): "Based upon what we see on the rocker panel, that's not a possibility."
- Fred Hugie ([31:49]): "I don't think you should ever be in society again."
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