Crime Junkie - She Solved Her Own Attempted Murder? | The Case of Dianna D’Aiello
The story revolves around Diana, who was attacked in her home while her husband, Kevin, was out for a short errand. Initially, Kevin was suspected and later convicted of the crime due to circumstantial evidence and Diana's partial memory recovery implicating him. However, years later, DNA evidence linked the crime to Gerald Parker, a serial killer known as the 'Bedroom Basher,' who had been attacking women in similar circumstances. This revelation led to Kevin's exoneration after spending 16 years in prison. The case highlights the challenges of memory reliability, the impact of wrongful convictions, and the importance of DNA evidence in solving cold cases. Diana, despite her traumatic experience and the loss of her child, has shown resilience and strength, continuing to live a fulfilling life.
Key Points:
- Diana was attacked in her home, leading to severe injuries and memory loss.
- Her husband, Kevin, was initially convicted based on circumstantial evidence and her partial memory.
- DNA evidence later exonerated Kevin, linking the crime to serial killer Gerald Parker.
- The case underscores the importance of DNA testing in solving cold cases and addressing wrongful convictions.
- Diana has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming her trauma and living a fulfilling life.
Details:
1. 🔍 Introduction to Diana's Story
- Diana was brutally attacked in her own home within a 20-minute window while her husband was away, highlighting a significant lapse in personal safety.
- The severity of the attack was such that Diana initially had no memory of the incident, illustrating the profound trauma she experienced.
- Her memory returned unexpectedly when she encountered a baby picture in a dentist's office, a detail that underscores the unpredictable nature of memory recovery.
- The attacker was the man Diana was living with at the time, which adds complexity to the narrative and indicates a betrayal of trust.
- Over a decade later, the truth fully emerged, leading police to uncover a serial killer, demonstrating the long and arduous journey to justice.
2. 🏠 Night of the Attack in California
- On September 30th, 1979, in Tustin, California, Diana Green was attacked in her apartment at around 2:00 a.m. Her husband, Kevin Green, discovered her with a severe head injury upon returning from a fast-food run.
- Kevin initially reported that Diana had been shot, but it was later determined that her injury was from a blunt object, likely a heavy item such as a baseball bat.
- Before and after the attack, Kevin noted seeing a Black man standing next to a black van outside their apartment, suggesting a potential external suspect.
- Neighbors corroborated hearing arguments and a woman's scream around the time of the attack, aligning with previous domestic disturbances at the Green residence.
- Although Kevin was initially suspected due to inconsistencies in his statements and a history of domestic violence, he passed a polygraph test, which complicated the investigation.
- The investigation broadened to consider a serial attacker, dubbed the 'bedroom Basher,' who had attacked at least ten women in similar circumstances over two years.
- The 'bedroom Basher' targeted women in ground-floor apartments with unlocked entries, creating a pattern suggestive of serial crimes.
- Despite establishing a task force to investigate these serial assaults, conflicting tips and evidence led to its disbandment just a month later.
- Diana eventually identified Kevin as her attacker after recovering, leading police to refocus on him and exclude him from the 'bedroom Basher' assaults based on his work schedule.
- Kevin was arrested on November 30th, 1979, exactly two months after the attack, marking a shift from a broader serial investigation to a focused domestic assault case.