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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Kevin Lee Green - Wrongfully Convicted

September 30, 1979 is a date that I doubt Kevin Lee Green will ever be able to forget.  That's the day his life would change forever.

In 1979, Kevin Green was a 21 year old Corporal in the Marine Corps and lived with his pregnant 20 year old wife, Dianne in Tuston, California.

By all accounts, including Kevin's, he and Dianne Green had a rocky marriage.  The police had been called to their apartment on more than one occasion to settle their arguments which sometimes led to physical contact.  But according to Kevin, at the time of this horrific event, he and Dianne were trying to work their problems out.  Dianne was nearly term with her pregnancy and they were hopeful of a happier future.

In the early morning hours on this date, Kevin decided to make a run to the local Jack in the Box to get something to eat.  He states he went to the one across the street but that the drive through was backed up so  he elected to go to another location that was about 15 minutes away for his food.  Both sides have speculated on this decision.  Both sides have their own views on this.  Kevin says the one across the street was busy so he opted to go to the other one where he might be waited on quicker.  Dianne and the prosecutors took the view that he wanted to be able to say he was gone long enough for a stranger to have entered his apartment and brutally attack his wife.

From the very beginning, Kevin has stated that when he walked out of their first floor apartment, he noticed a black man in the parking lot and when he returned, the same black man was about to enter a van parked in their parking lot.  When Kevin walked past this man, he ducked his head down so Kevin wouldn't be able to see his face.

When Kevin entered their apartment, he found Dianne in their bedroom.  She had been raped, strangled and viciously hit in the head with a round object.  Kevin thought initially that she had been shot in the head but it would be discovered later that she had in fact been hit in the head with a wooden object such as a table leg with the bolt used to attach the leg to the table making the round wound to Dianne's head that first led Kevin to believe she had been shot.

Kevin called police and an ambulance and stayed with Dianne.  Several hours after arriving at the hospital, the baby girl Dianne had been carrying died and the decision to perform an emergency C-Section was made although the doctor's feared Dianne might not make it through the surgery.  She lapsed into a coma and Kevin stayed with her.

Eventually Dianne woke from her coma but her brain was damaged to the point that she had no memories of the event.  She had forgotten how to speak and needed constant care and rehabilitation.

Kevin and Dianne moved into her parents home until she could recover.

From the very beginning the police zeroed in on Kevin to the exclusion of all others.  When Dianne was attacked, there were other very similar attacks in the area.  All women lived in ground floor apartments.  All women were beaten about the head.  All women had been raped. All but one had died.  Yet the police still focused their entire attention on Kevin.

The doctors had warned Kevin and Dianne's parents to allow Dianne to form her own memories of that night.  They strongly warned them that if they helped her at all, their suggestions would become a part of Dianne's memory.  That she would incorporate those suggestions into her newly formed memory and it would be as real as if she had actually remembered the event.

No one knows for sure, but it has always been my belief that one or both of her parents planted memories into Dianne's head.  Maybe they didn't mean to - maybe they were just both so convinced that Kevin was guilty that they didn't see the harm in planting those memories.  They may have been so afraid that if her memory never returned, Kevin might walk way unscathed that they felt it would be the lessor of two evils for them to help their daughter form a new memory than to allow Kevin to walk around free.

While I do not subscribe to the following theory, Dianne's parents may have been completely innocent of malice.  They may have simply answered her questions and when Dianne put all those answers together, she formed a new memory.  Questions like "Did Kevin ever hit me?"  "Is Kevin the violent type?"  "Were we happy as a married couple?"  I'm sure Dianne had tons of questions.

Whichever of the above scenarios are factual, Dianne did eventually form a memory of that night and she called the police to tell them.

She states that she and Kevin violently argued earlier in the evening.  He wanted sex and she did not.  So according to her "new" memory, he beat her, raped her and then beat her some more.  That was all the police needed to hear.

Kevin was tried and convicted of second degree murder for the death of their unborn child, the attempted murder on Dianne Green and assault with a deadly weapon for the attack.  On November 7, 1980 he was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Kevin Green would sit in prison from November 1980 until October 1996.  16 years for a crime he didn't commit.

Kevin could have gotten out of prison well before 1996.  The problem?  He steadfastly refused to admit his guilt and show remorse to the parole board for something he didn't do.

The prosecutions case was built upon the witness testimony of a woman who had major brain damage and at best a faulty and highly suggestible memory. Then there were the police reports from earlier domestic disturbances, interviews with neighbors who had heard them fighting and semen recovered from Dianne Green that matched Kevin Green's blood type. Remember back in 1979/1980 DNA was just a twinkle in its daddy's eye so blood type was the best they could do.  Unfortunately for Kevin, type O is a very common blood type.

As stated earlier in this piece, during the same time that Dianne Green was attacked there were a series of other very similar attacks in this area.  The attacks had begun about 10 months before Dianne Green's attack and there were 20 in all.  The police had dubbed him the "Bedroom Basher".

1996 DNA was just beginning to be used as a tool to detectives.  Cold case detectives gathered the evidence from the 20 attacks and sent DNA off for testing.  Against all odds, a match is found.  A convicted Sex Offender named Gerald Parker who is set to be paroled in a month from prison.  Detectives have to move fast if they want to get to him before he gets released.

They set up an interview with him and they bring their 20 cases with them.  Parker isn't interested in speaking about any of the cases.  Until they get to the Kevin & Dianne Green case.  It seems that Parker was a Marine himself and it has always bothered him that he found out that he had done this to a fellow Marine.

Parker remembered everything about that night and that crime.  And he told the police everything he remembered.  Apparently the only thing in Parker's life that he cherished was the fact that he had been a Marine.  It was the only good thing he had ever done.

Because of the new DNA evidence and Parker's confession, Kevin Green was released.  Eventually he would be paid $100 for each day he served in prison.

The bulk of his nightmare was over.  Now he had to deal with a wrongful death suit that his now ex-wife Dianne had filed and won while he was in prison.  She had won a multi-million dollar judgment from him.  Kevin had to hire an attorney and fight to have that judgment overturned.  The court over turned the judgment and suggested Kevin settle out of court with Dianne.  Which he did.  Personally, I would never have given her a dime.  But apparently Kevin was a better man.  He has said that while he was a victim in this situation it was nothing compared to the damage Dianne suffered during this ordeal.  He has repeatedly excused her attitude, opinions and actions over the years.  He feels she has every right to be angry, frustrated and bitter.

Kevin said one of the first things he did when released was to visit his infant daughter's grave.  He said he felt he had to go there and tell her in person that he was out of prison and that he didn't kill her - that Gerald Parker had done it.

To this day, while Dianne will admit that maybe Kevin didn't strike the proverbial "final" blow, he had indeed beaten and raped her that night and in her mind he deserved everything that he got.  She vehemently states that at the least had he not left the door unlocked perhaps none of this would have happened to her.

When I watched footage of both Kevin and Dianne, it was difficult to watch Dianne.  She was so full of bitterness, anger and revenge while Kevin was forgiving, kind and understanding.

Would I have reacted to this situation like Kevin or Dianne?  I'm not sure.  I would like to say Kevin but I don't know.  I guess none of us do until we go through it.

140 comments:

Unknown said...

I just watched the cold case file episode for "The Bedroom Basher" for the 3rd time and as a Christian woman I believe it is somewhat similar to the bible story of Joseph. I often wondered if other people thought about this case. It sits clear in my memory from the first time it aired. Always wondered what his wife Dianne's reaction was when his conviction was overturned, and thanks to this blog I know. I am believe the Lord will continue to watch over him and lead him to the path he chose for him. Where he will be reunited with his little girl. Thank you for the blog.

Ernie said...

What an interesting observation! I had never considered the similarities. Thanks for pointing that out to me. As for Diane's attitude toward Kevin, I don't know how much of it is due to her brain damage (some brain damage victims will have anger issues), how much of it is due to bitterness at what happened to her or how much of it is just pure meanness. From watching her the few times I've been able to find video of her, I tend to side with meanness. The true criminal was caught, tried and convicted. She needs to focus her anger and resentment towards him - not Kevin. Thank you for your comment.

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Sue said...

Well, "voiceofreason" I think perhaps your moniker is rather ironic. Because far from being the "voiceofreason" you are an aggressive and seemingly unhappy person who gets his (or her) kicks by belittling and bullying others. If Lupe chooses to believe in a God that opens paths to people - it is just as much her right to believe that as it is yours not to. I don't see her jumping down your throat so how about you displaying the same courtesy?? I apologize to Lupe for this person's behavior. It was mean spirited and completely unnecessary.

Unknown said...
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Sue said...

Kyle you are welcome to your beliefs. As a matter of fact I too, hold to the thought that if God chooses our paths for us - what is the point in trying to navigate my life since it's all predestined to begin with. My issue with your comment was when you said "The Lord chose to have Lupe & Sue make useless statements without the application of any logic" That is getting personal. That is the issue I have with your comment. BTW you didn't find ANY mention of God in my comment so even including me in your rant was pointless. I hope you have a good day.

Unknown said...
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Sue said...

Well, I'm glad we worked that out! I hope you have an excellent day Kyle and please feel free to stop by again.

Anonymous said...

Wow! VOR's ugliness is matched only by Dianna's meanness (though Kyle did admit to being unfair at one point). I found your site, Sue, while trying to find out if Dianna ever expressed any regret for her false memory. I hope that Kevin has mapped out a great life for himself. I'd like to hear an updated crime story that offers more detail. Thanks for the info, Sue.






Ernie said...

Thanks for the comment Anonymous. I'm glad some questions were answered for you. I'll try to post more indepth pieces. I hope you return to read them! BTW if you click on the follow icon, you will be notified each time I post a new article. Have a great day!!

Anonymous said...

Did either Kevin or dianna ever have any children after this horrible event?

Sue Harviel said...

Anonymous: No. They never had children together - other than the one Diane lost as a result of the attack. I don't know if they have had children with others - I haven't been able to find any mention of either of them being parents. Thanks for your comment!

Anonymous said...

I did read online that dianna remarried and had a daughter and jevon has a daughterbascwell

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

VOR - I find it interesting that you attempt to use logic to base your counterpoint discussion when your logic is flawed and based on a lack of clear understanding of the Bible.

If you have truly read the Bible and studied it, you would know that there is a significant difference between the chosen path and the path you walk.

Think of it this way; we are all God's children just like we have our own children. God chooses a path for each person, yet grants each person free will to walk the path that has been chosen for them by God and it is left to the individual to decide how to proceed, we are not robots.

As it is with our own children we do the same, and as all parents know, even our own children exercise their free will according to what they believe is right and subsequently learn from those experiences to correct themselves to the chosen path we have for them.

Now, before you decide that the Lord's omnipotence can have him do whatever he wants with us and how can he let all the evils in the world happen, take note; we will not grow as individuals and God's children if God makes all the decisions for us. He designed us all in His image yet, doesn't force each of us to imitate Him, but He has provided the Bible for us to study and learn how to live our life because we can never be Him due to our birth into sin.

According to Proverbs 16:9: The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

We live in a sinful world; everything is imperfect. God has not revealed perfect choices for us. You cannot see even the future of the next five minutes. You will waste your life searching; and you will always be frustrated. Practically any job will do, if you let both parts of this verse have their effect: i.e., (1) prayerfully make your best Bible-informed plans, and then (2) be open to the changes that God may put in your way. (Booker: Editorial - September 2006)

It is no matter to the Lord how anyone comes to Him, whether it is simple faith, Pascal's Wager, careful examination or any other method, only that you come for then He can begin to transform your heart for Him.

Just because a Christian individual did not come to the Lord based on the way that you VOR think is correct is a rather arrogant assumption. I also find it rather ironic that atheistic humans have the temerity to believe that all will be known or is capable of being discovered by humans.

In conclusion, none of what happened in this case was or was not brought on by the chosen path that the Lord has put down for each individual. Each individual, from D'Aiello staying with an abusive husband, to Green continuing to drink knowing the result, to Parker going down the serial killer path he decided for himself, are assumptive decisions they all made for themselves.

Now, I say assumptive, because if they weren't Christian, they did not know God and were not trying their best to live by the teachings in the Bible. Also, James 4:5 in the ESV says “[God] yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us. It is our free will that determines if we listen.

Blog Author said...

This is an article about an event that was reported in the news. It has zero to do with religion and it never will. I've been more than patient with this crap but everyone needs to realize that the next religious comment will be deleted and the author blocked. NO MORE - I'M DONE WITH IT!

Anonymous said...

Lame censorship. You let the last guy have his say but the one which is clearly more interesting to read isn't allowed to respond. Disappointing.

Aside from that thanks for the original article. Although I found the religious discussion quite a bit more fascinating.

A bit of advice for the blog owner. You should never close off discussions of any type as long as they're civil. It keeps people coming back to your site which is the point of any website.

Cheers.

Ernie said...

I haven't deleted any comments. Apparently they moved on all by themselves. I love when folks comment on my blog, but it really annoys me when they comment about random things that have zero to do with the blog.

Unknown said...

I just saw the story of Kevin.
I'm a pastor in Tennessee.
I would like to get Kevin to come to my church to talk to a large group of men about his testimony.

If anyone knows how to get in touch with Kevin please connect me.

Larry Wilson 423-503-3541
lwilson@nccog.org

Ernie said...

Thank you for reading my blog and commenting. I honestly don't know how to contact Mr. Green. However, I do know that the law department at the University of Michigan maintains a comprehensive national list of exonerated individuals. They may know who to contact for his information. OR they may have it and be willing to contact him for you and give him your info. I have included a link to their site. Good luck to you on this quest. I think all men should hear his story. http://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3260

Unknown said...

He might not have bashed her head and caused the death of the baby but he is not a saint.

Ernie said...

True, but then no one is a saint. However, a person should not go to prison for that reason. Thanks for commenting.

Anonymous said...

From time to time, Kevin Green's story comes up on cable TV. I've watched it at least 4 times over the years, and still cannot fathom the injustice of what the system did to that poor man. I have no doubt the police specifically focused on him only. In 1979, I was living near the City of Tustin, about 15 minutes away, and clearly remember this case. Maybe that's why it has struck so close to home for me. I also remember another victim of the bedroom basher, who was killed in Costa Mesa (15 minutes away from Tustin). The victim lived downstairs from one of my friends, who happened to be home that day from work. It's really chilling to think she was that close by at the time of the killing. I sincerely hope that Kevin Green has managed to move on, and find some peace and true happiness after everything he's endured.

Anonymous said...

I found this story so interesting. Especially how the police focused on Kevin even when it was well known that a rapist was terrorizing the neighborhood and Kevin had an alibi from the restaurant's clerk. So terrifying to see justice go so awry. I was facinated by Dianne's insistence that Kevin was guilty even after the perp confessed! Stunning. I had a brother-in-law who was the victim of a closed head injury also and there is no end to the damage it can do to one's ability to reason and remember. She may also have impairment to the part of her brain that regulates empathy. My brother-in-law sure did. Makes it hard to like her, but, of course, she may have been a very likable person before the attack and no one should have to go through something so horrendeous. I'm so happy that Kevin has been released!!

Ernie said...

Thank you for your comment Anonymous. I don't think there were any winners in this situation. I think your point about the head injury and how it dramatically changes people, is spot on and honestly, I hadn't thought of that before you mentioned it. She may harbor so much anger towards Kevin only because of her head injury....or she just may be the type of person who searches for someone to blame for her bad luck. Not to minimize her situation by calling it bad luck, but that really is exactly what it is. She was left alone in the wrong place at the wrong moment. Nothing else to call it but bad luck. I'm sure she is partially angry with Kevin because he didn't lock the door behind him (by his own admission) which allowed the animal easy access to her apartment. I get that. But to hound him and wish him dead is overboard to me. Then again, I don't know how I would feel. She has gone through so much physically and emotionally. So much therapy just to learn to do everyday things like walk, talk, feed herself. I can see that making a person very bitter. I know it looks as if I'm vacillating and I may be. But at the end of the day, while I can emphasize with Dianne, I don't agree with her attitude towards Kevin and I think Kevin has MORE than paid for leaving the door unlocked and leaving her alone that night. Also, when he got his settlement from the state, he was under no obligation to give her any of it - but he did. That speaks volumes to me of his character. I am a big Kevin fan and I'm happy to hear that he has remarried and is a father.

Unknown said...

It's amazing to me that Diana wasn't allowed to testify BECAUSE SHE COULDNT EVEN SPELL HER NAME......YET.....details OD that night were fair game according to her recall. She said kevin beat and raped her.....but the real perp never , EVER mentioned her being in an impaired state. It's OBVIOUS her parents put those thoughts in her head. What are they not being prosecuted???? This is a sad , sad case where a bad marriage leads to false accusations. They may not have gotten along, but kevin was indeed a decent person.....which makes me think that Diana wasn't exactly the best, most understanding of wives........he is a goods, forgiving man, one Diana should have cherished far more than she did......

Ernie said...

Smig Robustus you make a very good point. If she was so very brain damaged, why would anyone give credence to anything she has to say - then or now?? I'm convinced that Kevin had a major role to play in the demise of his marriage. But it takes two to make (or break) a marriage and I find it incredulous that she (and her parents) would have us believe that everything (including her physical condition) is all on Kevin. They haven't said a bad word against the actual rapist - not that I can find. They save ALL their public comments to spew hatred towards Kevin. At one point after Kevin was released, Diane was asked if she felt badly for helping to convict him. Her response was "Absolutely not! It was still Kevin's fault because he left the door unlocked that night." Such utter bitterness and venom. Maybe this was a byproduct of her brain injuries, but I tend to think she was mean spirited before she was attacked. I think if I were in her shoes, I would be begging his forgiveness.

Unknown said...

As a medical professional I was shocked at the lack of education on the effects of brain injury by police as well as legal counsel. It is NOT physically possible for any victim of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)to EVER recollect the period of time prior to the injury. It is "natures way" of erasing the horrific event". Any remembrance or "recall" on the part of Diana Green is nothing more than the brain's desperate attempt to remember the event by piecing together scrambled fragments and fabrications to "create" a memory.(another words her mind playing tricks on her)- My hope is that she is well enough to comprehend this someday so that she may forgive and feel compassion also for the man who endured a living hell and lost 16 of the best years of his life. I hope she now understands that she and Kevin were BOTH victims of a murderous madman who caused both of them to lose so much. May they find peace in one another again someday....

Unknown said...

As a medical professional I was shocked at the lack of education on the effects of brain injury by police as well as legal counsel. It is NOT physically possible for any victim of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)to EVER recollect the period of time prior to the injury. It is "natures way" of erasing the horrific event". Any remembrance or "recall" on the part of Diana Green is nothing more than the brain's desperate attempt to remember the event by piecing together scrambled fragments and fabrications to "create" a memory.(another words her mind playing tricks on her)- My hope is that she is well enough to comprehend this someday so that she may forgive and feel compassion also for the man who endured a living hell and lost 16 of the best years of his life. I hope she now understands that she and Kevin were BOTH victims of a murderous madman who caused both of them to lose so much. May they find peace in one another again someday....

Ernie said...

Lynn Pacheco you made my eyes pop open!! Once you mentioned it, I am very familiar with the fact of memory lapses as to the moment of trauma! It is astounding that the police, Kevin's own attorneys and no one else apparently, thought of this and brought an expert in to verify this fact! Maybe back in the day when this happened, it wasn't as well known as it is today? Maybe even they didn't believe there was enough medical "evidence" at the time to support this fact? All I know is if I had been his attorney and heard of this event, I would have found someone to testify as to its existence. GREAT comment!! Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

Such a sad case for all involved, and the forgivness that kevin green gives to his ex-wife astounds me..i mean..she STILL holds him responsible even after all the evidence and Full confession of the real perp! In responce to a question earlier in this blog re;any up to date coverage..there is a docu' -"on the case with paula zahn" which also has inteview footage of diane.

Ernie said...

It truly is a sad sad case. The segment you're referencing is call "Painful Memories" and it is indeed with Paula Zahn and aired in 2012. It never ceases to amaze me that Diane, even after all this time, still refuses to let her blame towards Kevin go. I read somewhere that a lot of times head trauma patients lose so much of their memories that when they think they have one, they won't let it go even when the evidence of it being a false memory are overwhelming. Another commenter here stated that she believed Diane's "memories" of that night were planted by her parents & by the police/prosecutors - and I agree. I'd like to know if her parents feel any inkling of guilt and/or remorse for their roles in sending an innocent man to prison or if they feel that what they did was excusable. I know if this had happened to my daughter and I felt in my heart that her husband had done it, I would have done whatever necessary to send him off to prison. But, like in Kevin's case, had it been proven later that he was totally innocent of the crime - I don't know how I would live with myself knowing how much of his life I had taken from him all because I had a "gut" feeling. Thanks for the comment.

Ernie said...

I have included a link below to an article dated 1999 wherein it adds a little detail about Diane's lawsuit against Kevin. In her complaint, Diane states that she believes Kevin beat her and raped her, then while she was semiconscious, he left to get something to eat leaving the door unlocked. Then she believes Gerald Parker entered, beat and raped her again and left her for dead. I think that lawsuit clearly states how much hatred she holds for Kevin. Even though Gerald Parker was soundly convicted of this crime, she still cannot let go of her rage towards Kevin. Even to the point that she now believes that she was raped and beaten TWICE that night. Anything to be able to hold onto that rage and blame that she holds towards Kevin. It almost borders on evil. I can't understand her thought process. How can she not just let it go after 20+ years? Will it ruin her emotionally to admit she was wrong and move on? She doesn't have to make amends to Kevin - just move on. http://articles.latimes.com/1999/dec/08/local/me-41671

Anonymous said...

It is hard to believe Diane persists in her cruel and demonstrably incorrect assertions. Kevin should be grateful to be rid of her.

Ernie said...

I agree. I have never seen an interview or article that talked about what Diane was like prior to her attack - which I have always felt to be rather odd. Normally, the victim gets tons of coverage about what a beautiful, nice and life loving person she was prior to the attack. Friends & family talk endlessly about her good virtues. But not with Diane. Absolute silence. Yet there have been a lot of articles that detailed what she was like after the attack. I know that head trauma victims often have extreme anger issues and a great deal of difficulty with their thought process. However, I wonder how she was prior to her attack? Maybe the Diane we read about after the attack was the very same cold, bitter and spiteful person she was before the attack?

Unknown said...

Dianne is an individual who had massive trauma to her brain. The doctors warned that no one was to put thoughts in her head. When those thoughts were placed there she saw them as real. It is hard for some sufferers of brain damage to move on or forgive. I would like to think that is why Dianne is so venomous bu I think she is just a terrible person. So glad that Kevin was exonerated. That man has shown a level of empathy and decorum that is unparalleled. I think he knew how Dianne used to be before the attack. He saw the change as he says she is just as much a victim as him. Though he was wrongly convicted Dianne was a victim.as well, being raped, beaten and losing her unborn child. Hopefully Dianne will forgive and move on with her life like Kevin has done.

Anonymous said...

I would like to comment here as I spent many years with Kevin while he was behind bars in Soledad prison and for those many years I very proudly called him my "stepdad" as he was married to my mother while incarcerated and I am so proud of an individual to be able to have been a part of his life and him of mine. I will always always hold a very special place in my heart for this man through high school he was my inspiration and pushed me consistently to succeed in life, although locked behind bars he always managed to be an integral part of my mother's and sisters and my life. The best day of my life was the evening I received a phone call with his voice at the other end of the line saying "I'm free honey" my words cannot even express the joy and happiness that our family felt that amazingly wonderful evening. The Kevin you read about ..the generosity you see and hear of is Kevin Green an amazingly wonderful loving man...

Ernie said...

I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you chose to comment on my little blog. Thank you for sharing your personal opinion of Kevin Lee Green. It's great to know that my impression of him was spot on. I don't know if you still maintain contact with him (you didn't say if he is still married to your mom or not) but if you do, please tell him that he has a lot of people out here who were outraged at his situation and who are beyond happy that he is released. We also are inspired by many of the things he has done. Example: giving Diane part of his settlement money when it was apparent he didn't have to....I wouldn't have done that....I don't intend ever to call him a saint. He's a human with flaws just like everyone else in this world. However, I do find him to be a very intriguing and moral man. That's about as good as you get in this day and time. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

I am absolutely astounded at the vitriol directed at Dianna on this blog, and again in the comments.
This is a woman who was the victim of domestic violence - even at 9 months pregnant (this is readily admitted by Kevin.)
Then the victim of a random violent attacker, who took the life of her child and destroyed her own life. This woman is severely brain damaged for life. To nitpick about whether she should or shouldn't be able to accept the truth about what happened that night, and feel some remorse / guilt is simply outrageous.
She is not capable of doing that. How does that not get through to you?
Talk about meanness....

Ernie said...

I can see your side of this discussion. It does appear that we are hammering the victim doesn't it? However, we all have differing opinions in life and my opinion is that she was fed false memories when she was at her most vulnerable & those memories have stuck. Not knowing her personally and not being a doctor who specializes in this type of trauma, I cannot say she can't help coming across like a bitter, vindictive bitch....nor can you. What I can comment on is how she behaves versus how Kevin behaves and Kevin has her beat to the moon and back in that instance. Dianne has NO memory of the attack - none. Unless you want to call the false memories her parents (I'm assuming) planted in her head. Sure, she has had a really hard road to travel since the attack - but can you tell me that Kevin hasn't? How would you like to sit in prison convicted of a crime you know you didn't commit? Having everyone you ever knew think you were a woman beating, raping, baby killer? Then he gets out and he is PROVEN innocent and she can't even muster up an "I'm sorry you spent the last 2 decades in prison for something you didn't do?" Instead she spouts off about how he used to slap her around before this event & sues him so she can get her hands on some of his reparation money? Excuse me, but slapping someone around doesn't even come close to beating, raping and murdering a child. Not even close. I consider Dianne a victim - not a survivor - a victim....and it's that mentality that will continue to make her a victim for the rest of her life. That's my opinion on the subject. Differing stances or not, I greatly appreciate your taking the time to comment on my blog. How boring would it be if everyone had the same views?

Anonymous said...

I will say this. I began a new job about 6 weeks ago and randomly one day a guy wearing a Marine Corp coat was outside at the same time I was smoking a cig. We began talking and I was highly impressed with how much help the random guy was. I was excited, I was learning more about this job than I was learning from my trainer. This random guy teaching me was Kevin Green, the same Kevin Green. He told me his story and we ended up outside smoking for much longer than we probably should have, and I thought he was full of shit. I researched him and it was extremely accurate. Since then I've gotten to know him somewhat, and I can tell you first hand, the man is incredible. The things he has done both while in and after prison has affected so many people's lives in a positive manner that it's unbelievable. If you've never met Kevin, you should, he's amazing. I can't say a single thing about his ex wife, I will tell you that he has never said a single thing negative about her. In my opinion they were both victims.

Ernie said...

What a great story! Thanks for sharing that with us! I agree that both Kevin and Diane were victims. I don't mean to ever minimize what Diane went through. In reading my article and the comments I've made, it might appear that I undervalue what she has gone through. I do not. She went through an horrific experience. However, as my daddy used to say, it's not what you've survived in this lifetime that matters....it's How you survived it. I think Kevin survived the hand he was dealt with more class and grace than did Diane. She appears to have allowed this tragedy to turn her into a bitter victim. Would I handle what happened to Diane any better if the proverbial shoe was on the other foot? I honestly don't know. I'd like to think I'd handle it like Kevin....but no one really knows until it happens to them. I don't despise Diane, I feel very sad for her and very sorry for her. Also, I never intend to make Kevin out to be a saint either before, during or after. I simply intend to make him out to be a class act that is to be respected.

Anonymous said...

I'm the same guy who works with Kevin and posted last anonymously. Kevin and I talk a lot at work, mostly because we both joined the Marines and we've both been in prison. (21 years ago I too was an inmate for a short time, although I was guilty, and he wasn't.) Currently someone I care about is in prison because they are an alcoholic and Kevin has been a lot of help. Kevin does a lot of volunteer things for inmates and people who have recently gotten out of prison. He stays extremely positive and speaks at different prisons here is Missouri. Like I said previously, the guy truly is an amazing person, and I have nothing whatsoever but respect for the man. I wish there were a hell of a lot more Kevin Green's in this world.

Anonymous said...

Kevin green is my hero

Ernie said...

This is my take on Dianne Green. When she was attacked, she was already in a bad mental place. She and Kevin were having marital problems, she was pregnant and at that time in this country, when you're pregnant there wasn't a lot you could do but stay in your marriage. We didn't have women's shelters or places that took pregnant married women so they could start a new life. When she was brutally attacked and lost her baby because of it, she went home to live with her parents so she could recuperate. I firmly believe that her parents believed with all their hearts that Kevin did this to their daughter and took every opportunity to convince Dianne of that. Does that make them horrible people? No. It makes them very angry, frustrated & misguided parents who loved their daughter and wanted someone to pay for what had happened to her. Back then brain injuries, placed memories and things like that weren't common knowledge. I think they were misguided people (with bad advice) who thought they were doing the right thing for their daughter. However, what they accomplished was to fill their daughter with an enormous amount of rage and bitterness that has yet to subside. Diane was truly a victim in this case. More so than Kevin actually. He may have spent the majority of his life behind bars but at least he knew without a doubt that he was innocent. He got to walk free and rebuild his life. She on the other hand has been imprisoned by this trauma and has not been able to move past it. She may have been able to sleep in her own bed, go outside whenever she pleased, but she was in a prison just as secure and frightening as any that Kevin was in. I feel badly for the both of them. Diane does not make a sympathetic victim nor does she appear to be a survivor. She appears to still be locked in that moment and it has made her a bitter, unfriendly, woman. I truly feel for them both so much. Having said that, I still cringe whenever I read something she's said or see one of her few interviews. She is just so full of hatred.

Lolly said...

She isn't. Apparently she is still insisting he beat and raped her and sued him for the money he got for being wrongfully convicted. Even though it's been proved it wasn't him. It's sad. He settled with her too. Even though he really doesn't owe her anything. He paid with 16 years in jail! She had a lot of Gaul to sue him. Yes she was a victim of a horrible crime but she made him a victim. And doesn't seem to care.

Ernie said...

I hear what you're saying Lolly. But this is her reality. She is obsessed with making Kevin pay. I read an interview with her that took place after Kevin was exonerated. Even when pressed, she would not admit that Kevin was innocent of this crime. The best she could do was say that maybe he wasn't guilty of the actual beating, head injury and the loss of her baby....but if he hadn't left the apartment that night and if he hadn't left the door unlocked, this never would have happened to her so she blames him just as much as she blames the actual perpetrator. She refuses to admit that everything she thought she has known for nearly 2 decades was all a lie. She refuses to admit that she had a large part in putting an innocent man behind bars for over 16 years. My take is either she is most evil or she fears if she faces the real truth, she won't be able to live with herself. I don't know which is true since I've never met her. What I do know is she appears to be a hateful, spiteful, vindictive, misguided and very bitter woman who refuses to get past this event at all costs to herself and anyone near her. Thanks for the comment......ps....I'm not at all defending her or her actions with this comment. I'm simply trying to offer a reason for her behavior. But who knows? Maybe she was always like this even before the attack?

Anonymous said...

This story is mesmerizing to me! There are 3 victims here. Diana, Kevin, and their Baby girl! I cant see why Diane continues to blame Kevin..unless she really was fed this information, and truly believes that Kevin did this. Thank God for DNA!

Ernie said...

Thanks for the comment Anonymous. This story mesmerizes me too. Either Diane was evil before the attack or her brain has been reprogrammed with memories that didn't happen. I'm betting on the latter. Yes, thank God for DNA.

Anonymous said...

It is a fascinating case. There have been a lot of thoughtful posts here. Nevertheless, I am surprised by the lack of empathy for Dianne. So much questioning about her (lack of?) character at the age of twenty, prior to her traumatic, life-altering brain injury. Yet no doubt that Kevin Green -- by all accounts, a good man -- no longer "slaps around" (reference up thread) women like he did when he was twenty-one years old.

They are all victims. Yes it would be nice if the woman who was told for 16/17 years that her husband brutally raped and beat her and caused the death of their unborn child could accept that her "memories" are false, but I'm not going to blame her ability to do so on some innate character flaw. If Kevin Green can empathize with her, maybe we should try to as well?

Ernie said...

Thanks for the comment Anonymous. I see your point. I think I have stated more than once that all I know of her is what I've been able to read and the few interviews she has granted. The point of this piece is not to crucify her but rather to try to tell the story of a man who was imprisoned for nearly 2 decades for something that he didn't do. In order to do that, I had to talk about each character in this story....Diane was a very very prominent character in this plot. I truly wish I could be more complimentary of her but I have zero basis on which to portray her as a nice person who suffered a horrible event. It's true that Kevin wasn't a Saint before this tragedy, but I think we can all agree that he has changed tremendously and for the better while Diane has not. It would appear she grew vindictive and bitter. She appears to hold onto that event as if it's a lifeline for her and in the process she alienates many many people with her staunch refusal to cut Kevin some slack. She owes him at least that much. Whatever kind of person he was before the attack....he has paid his dues with the 16 years spent in prison. Maybe it is a physical impossibility for her to be nice or to change - brain injuries are so very mysterious and odd. At the end of the day, people can only base their opinions on what they can see, hear and read. What I see, hear and read about Diane is never good. I would love to be in her corner. I have tremendous empathy for what she went through...she just makes it impossible. Sorry this happened to her but just like everyone else in this world, we either move forward or we fall behind. She is way behind.

Unknown said...

This guy Kevin is one helluva nice guy. His wife must be some kind of nut. First falsely accusing him then suing him! His lawyer sounds like a ripoff as well. 200 grand for how many hours? Kevin is too nice and they both took advantage of his nice manner. Kevin you must be a strong individual to survive what you did. Did the Marine Corps training help you? I hope you have or will meet a normal nice lady soon. I am sure you will. God Bless You. Larry Blong

Ernie said...

Thanks for your comment Larry Blong. It's my understanding that Kevin is married to a very nice woman who corresponded with him while he was in prison. I hear that he is happy and leading a fulfilling life as a motivational speaker. He visits high schools and other venues and tells his story in the hopes that he might prevent another young life being wasted in prison. He truly is a remarkable person. I honestly do not think that I would have come out of his situation with his attitude....I believe I would emerge as a bitter, hateful person. Thanks again for the comment.

Anonymous said...

What I find laughable is Dianna explanation as to why this is Kevin fault is because he forgot to lock the door on his way out, if I were to ever meet Dianna I would say that serial killers do not care if the door is locked they will get in, BTK did not care, the Night Stalker did not care, and Gerald Parker did not care and to let go of her bitterness towards Kevin before it eats her alive. Oh and can you do the case of Gabe Watson if you have the time I believe he did not do it but you don't that fine.

Ernie said...

Thanks for the comment! I agree with you. If I ever met her, I'd say the very same thing. Good point about the whole locked door thing. I have to believe that her head trauma turned her into this raging bitter angry woman. Head injuries have a tendency to do that. They change people's personalities and usually it's not for the better. I feel that it's better to believe that's what happened to her rather than believe that anyone could be as mean spirited as Dianne shows herself to be. I've not heard of Gabe Watson before but I will research him and if I can find enough information, I will definitely write about him. Thank you for the lead!

mars said...

We watched the Kevin Green episode on the ID Channel today, first time we've heard of it. Its a sad story in every regard, of course. It sure would have been nice if the police had taken note of the other rape/ murders in the same area, same time frame...recognizing crime patterns & similarities of methods of operation are true signs of an accomplished, dutiful, and smart detective...because after-the-fact, years later it does not require a trained or experienced detective to submit DNA samples to a lab for analysis or matching...an entry level police evidence tech can do those submittals.

The ID program indicated Kevin's wife needed "therapy" after her release from the hospital because of the loss of memory and inability to speak. There was no elaboration about the therapy. Did the so-called therapists "help" Diane with her so-called "recollections"?...Its common knowledge that doctors & therapists can cause people with emotional problems, mental problems, brain injuries, etc to replace "repressed memories" with totally false memories...and those false memories can ruin lives. It just might have happened in this case...

Finally, Kevin's ex-wife apparently really does believe that on that night she was attacked by two men, at two different times, brutally struck on the head two separate times with two different weapons, raped by those two different men, and then left to die by those two different men. Has no one in her life...parents, friends, doctors, therapists, attorneys, etc...someone that she trusts...explained to her the utter astronomical odds against a two men/ different times/ double sexual assaults scenario? Makes a person wonder if she was always apt to believe absurd things, or did that just start to happen after the brain injury.

Ernie said...

Mars: You bring up some really great & valid points. I'm with you on recognizing the patterns. These officers don't appear to have looked past the end of their noses. I understand that the majority of violent crimes are committed by someone well known to the victim. However, majority does not mean ALL. I felt the cops went by their "guts" & left actual police work at home. They basically framed Kevin for this crime. Do I think they acted maliciously? No. I just think they rushed to judgment & refused or neglected to look at the case objectively once they made up their mind that Kevin was guilty & stopped looking. As for Dianne's therapy, where do I begin? I believe Dianne was given false memories by a multitude of people. Her parents, police, doctor's, therapists, DA, etc. I believe that her parents were key in planting those memories. They never really liked Kevin to begin with. He drank too much, had a hot temper, didn't help Dianne around the house like they thought he should. He left her alone a lot to go out on his own. So in their minds a bad son in law must equal guilty. Someone had to pay for this horrendous crime why not Kevin? Dianne is a hard victim for whom to feel empathy. I think she knows on some conscious level that Kevin is innocent & her memories are false. I really do. Her guilt at knowing this could explain her refusal to admit that her memories might be false. How could a person live with that otherwise? As long as she holds tight to her "memories", she can't be blamed for any part of it? I think this is never more evident than when she came up with this whole "2 men" scenario. That tells me that she knows her memories were false but she doesn't want to accept any blame for her part so she accessorizes the false memories with a "new" memory that she was raped & beaten twice by two separate men ON THE SAME NIGHT. It's actually pathetic. I wish someone would convince her that it wasn't her fault that she became a victim. It certainly was not her fault that her brain was susceptible to false memories being planted. I think her life would be better if she would just admit to it & move on. Was she like this before the attack? By all accounts, Dianne was hot headed before the attack. I have found no evidence to suggest she was a bad person. She & Kevin had a tempestuous relationship. That could be a part of her inability to accept that she was victimized twice (once by the attacker, then again by her parents, the therapists, police & DA when they planted those memories.) Being a strong aggressive person convinced that you can take care of yourself under most circumstances one day & then a partial amnesiac whose unborn baby was basically beaten out of her the next day would make anyone doubt their abilities in any capacity. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache, the physical pain, the frustration at having to learn to talk, write, walk & feed yourself all over again. She needs to understand that she is still the same strong woman she was before the attack, otherwise she never ever could have progressed as far as she has physically. But she also needs to confront the fact that those closest to her (her parents) fed her lies that in her mind became reality. I have never thought her parents were on a mission to "get Kevin" & this attack just kinda fell in their lap. I honestly believe that they were angry, frustrated, heartbroken parents who just buried their grandchild & watched with horror as their daughter struggled to live again. Then when the police came to them with their suspicions about Kevin, the parents jumped on it with both feet. Life was simpler back then. We believed & blindly trusted the police & doctor's. After all, they were trained professionals, right? So when it was put to them that Kevin did it..he did it in their minds. Sorry this response is so long & thanks again for the comment.

Anonymous said...

I live in California but I am willing to make the trip to Missouri just to meet and have a talk with Kevin. If anyone knows how I can get a hold of him please let me know. Thank you.

Ernie said...

I wish I knew how to contact him because I'm like you....I'd make a drive to Missouri to sit down with him. I realize he's human and flawed just like we all are...but he has that something extra that makes me want to soak some of that up so maybe it'd stick. Know what I mean? Rare individual. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Ernie said...

Yep. You got it right and I agree with you.

Radioguy1974 said...

This case still draws interest after almost 37 years since it was originally committed. Just saw it on an ep.of Forensic Files. It's sad for Kevin and Dianne but Kevin is living the fuller better life most likely. Ultimately the feelings describe about his ex wife tend to destroy a person's life just as much as this crime did. In 2016 she might be still bitter, angry, and blaming her ex and she's the loser in the long run. None of those feelings change anything that happend almost 40 years ago. The best revenge is to live a happy, free, healthy life so in my opinion she is the loser long term. Kevin appears to be the winner because in 2016 he appears to be happy and enjoying his life and has moved on with his life I wish him the best St.

Ernie said...

You are so right Radioguy. Kevin can never recover those lost years filled with unknown terrors but he is free and appears happy and very productive. I'm sorry that Diane's life hasn't been as happy. Sometimes I forget that she was a victim too and that honestly she has been in a type of prison since the attack and sadly is still confined to that prison. I hope she is able to break free but after all this time....I just don't know if that's possible.

Ddote said...

I had the same thoughts about her parents and they will one day get what's coming to them if there is any justice in the world. As for Diana, I no longer feel sympathy for her. She is a mean, vindictive and spiteful person. I would feel die her if she hadn't bahaved the way she did. He is the victim and although she went through a bad ordeal she us still alive and was able to continue with her life. He had 16 years of his life taken because she needed someone to blame. If she had shown some remorse about her actions I would have felt for her, but the fact that she tried to say he had conspired with the real killer just proves she wanted him to be guilty despite if he was responsible or not. Then she wanted him to pay her millions of dollars for a crime he didn't commit. Perhaps she needed him to be guilty so she could get an easy payday. The fact that she feels deserving after she made him lose all those years of life because of her false alligations just goes to show you how nefarious of a person she is. For her to wish death upon him makes her one of the worse kind of person you would never wish to meet. I think kevin is nothing short of a saint to still have a positive attitude about her after all she has done and said. He's much better person than me to forgive her and then pay her money that he got for being falsely accused. I think her parents should have to spend time in jail because you know they started this crap by putting itbin her head, but she is to blame for the continued accusations. If she has an ounce of humanity left she would apologize and beg for forgiveness. Then she needs to consider repenting and praying for peace.

Ddote said...

I agree that her parents were behind this. However, she is responsible for the continued accusations. I can't feel sorry for someone who themselves has no remorse or guilt for sending an innocent person to prison for all those years. She continues to accuse him and even went as far as to claim that he conspired with the real person who was responsible bfor the crime. That tells me that she is herself an evil vindictive person who won't admit they were wrong. I can't feel sympathy for a person like me that. Not only does she refuse to admit her mistake, she slanders him in the media and moves forward with a lawsuit against him. He is a far better person than me to still be empathetic toward her and then pay her money that he deserved for the ordeal she put him through. This not only tells me that she is not capable of feeling empathy, but that she is narcissistic too. If I were her I would seriously consider repenting and then beg Kevin for forgiveness. Knowing what I do about her though, this will never happen. I wish him nothing but happiness moving forward and as for her, well that's between her and God.

Ddote said...

The truth is that she imprisoned him and herself. I have No empathy for her. If she would have admitted that she was wrong and apologized about falsely accusing him, then I would still feel empathy for her, but trying to convince people that he had raped and beaten her prior to the perpetrator and then sueing him for money just proves that she is as spiteful, misguided, vengeful and nefarious as they come and all I have to say is she needs to repent. The fact that she continues to portray herself as the only victim speaks volumes about the kind of person she really is and if i was Kevin, i would sue her for defamation of character for continuing to spread her redicoulous accusations and smearing his name in the mud.

Ernie said...

Good points in both your comments Ddote. I agree with you on all counts and always have. I think sometimes I comment about the far reaching reasons that might explain her viciousness because it is beyond my comprehension how any person could still maintain such venom against another person after irrefutable proof is put before them of that person's absolute innocence. My brain simply cannot comprehend such vitriolic behavior. Thanks for the comment.

2smart4U2 said...

I think that it is important to remember the anger or personality changes connected with brain injury. It sounds as if there is some inherent personality there, also, given the parents whom she had: they seemed to have fostered ill-will and blame. Kevin's point is very true: she did suffer, greatly, for being 100% innocent: sleeping and pregnant. While is is not criminal, the fact that Kevin noted that he left the door unlocked as he was leaving (not after the fact when he returned to the horrific scene), noticed that there was a lot of night life happening around the apartment area, repeatedly showed some concern about one particular man and most have known or heard something about the 'Bedroom Basher' and did not take the 30 seconds to turn around and lock that door is chilling. Can't say that I would not be pissed off; especially, if for example, I did not find another relationship (I have no idea what her situation is on this level) and did not have another child and still suffered, physically or mentally, because of this traumatic event. I am a good person but not a saint.

Ernie said...

2Smart4U2 Your comments make total sense. Thank you for adding them to this discussion. Going back and locking that door would have prevented this entire thing. The bedroom basher only entered houses/apartments with unlocked doors according to the police. So had he found their door locked, he would have moved on. However, back in those days, most folks didn't lock their doors. My parents didn't even know where their door key was one year when we were getting ready to go on vacation. We had never locked the door (from the outside) since we bought the house. We had to call a locksmith to make a new key before we could leave. You are also right about her personality/anger changes due to her brain injury. It is extremely common for personalities to change drastically after such injuries...and it's never for the better. Also, I'm sure it's more than frustrating for her to be the victim in this case yet Kevin gets all the sympathy and all the attention and then is released from prison and leads a much happier life than her. That's gotta suck. But until she comes out of that pity/anger partyhouse she has lived in for decades, this is what her life will be. Sad? Unfair? Sure it is. But it is what it is and only she can change that.

Anonymous said...

So tell me have you have enough information on Gabe Watson to do a story about him

Unknown said...

I do not feel sorry for her at all as when it was proven her poor husband spent 16!years in jail for a crime he did not commit she went on a witch hunt and so did her horrible family she never once apologised to him which is disgusting to say the least and her family are the exact same. Kevin is the victim in all of this and I don't know how he managed to cope in prison knowing in his soul he is innocent that must have been unbearable in the extreme and he deserves everyone's compassion not her

Ernie said...

To respond to Anonymous about Gabe Watson. Yes, I did some research on his case. However, I will have to delve much deeper into it before I attempt to write about it. Upon superficial review, I would have to agree that he was guilty. BUT please note I said upon superficial review. We all know that there are 3 sides to every story. Their side, our side and the truth. I promise to dig deeper and then post my thoughts on the case. I simply didn't want to post about it until I had more of the facts before me. If, by chance, you have personal knowledge about this case, please please share with me so I can be even more prepared. Thanks for your comments.

Ernie said...

Scottish Thistle: Thank you for your comment! You are correct, Kevin deserves everyone's compassion. Diane has done absolutely nothing to earn it.

Unknown said...

VOR Its so much easier to receive compassion than earn it. Kevin seems to have the right attitude and I really admire the man. I really don't know if I could forgive the injustice of his predicament but hope so much that I could find it in my heart to forgive as easily.
As for her inability to forgive him for his moment of stupidity for not locking the door and not being able to see Kevin as a victim shows that the head injury she sustained caused her to become a vindictive person who harbours hate far to much even to the point of viciousness.
I hope she's able to forgive him some day although I doubt that she will ever be able to.
Not a good ending for anyone who was involved in the case, this story really does show the good and evil that human beings in this world possess.
A very well written opinion by the way VOR.

Ernie said...

David Hagan.....where do you see a "well written opinion" by VOR? He trolled this page a while back and then HE deleted all of his comments....I didn't delete any of them....I'd be very interested in reading his opinion provided he stayed on point with his comments. As for your comments, I couldn't agree more with you. As I've stated in previous comments, back in the day it was not at all unusual for folks to leave their doors unlocked. Especially in this case where he was going out for a quick bite and would be right back. Also especially since the media and police failed to alert this community that there was a serial rapist on the loose in their area. The police bungled this investigation and then the prosecutor bungled the trial so badly. They just wanted to catch someone....anyone....and Kevin looked as good as anyone. Add to that the fact that people were reforming Diane's memories and you have a perfect storm. Diane is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders simply because she refuses to let go of this immense anger and bitterness that is so grossly misdirected. How much happier would she be if she let this go? Maybe she feels that if she doubts what her parents (I'm sure) told her, she'd lose the only people she had left?? I dunno. I've armchair shrinked her so much that my head spins.

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised no one is angry with the original detectives who obviously did shoddy police work. They had all these other attacks yet persecuted this poor guy. I've seen interviews with him and he seems like a really nice normal levelheaded guy and I'd sue the hell out of the Tustin Police Dept. But seriously back in 1979 they had mostly idiots working on that force. Most of Orange Co too. LAPD wasn't much better led by that moron Daryl Gates.

I am just amazed at how nice to this day Kevin is. His ex wife sounds like a shrew brain damage or not.

Ernie said...

Anonymous, you are so right about the crap job the PD & the prosecutor's office did on this case, but only if you believe that they ever truly thought they had the right guy. I think they knew from jump that they had the wrong guy. They just felt they had a guy they could convict. The charges can't stick without the prosecutor signing off on them & the prosecutor doesn't sign off on anything they don't think they can win. As for suing, unfortunately he was awarded damages by the state which is like a blanket covering the PD & the prosecutor's office. If you think about it, the state really wasn't at fault since the only thing they really had to do with this was incarcerate him once the local's had charged & convicted him. My next comment will shed a little more light on the character of Diane Green. Please read on....

Ernie said...

The article (link pasted at end of this comment) sheds a little bit of light about our girl Diane. The very day that Kevin's divorce from his first wife was final - he married Diane. So you think he went out for coffee that day, met Diane & rushed her to the courthouse to marry her......or do you think Diane was having an affair with him while he was still married? It should also be noted that Diane & Kevin had only been married just shy of 6 months but Diane was 9 months pregnant. Obviously she got pregnant while Kevin was still married. While this puts Diane in an obviously bad light, it also doesn't make Kevin look pristine either. I believe it's just one more reason the cops had for pinning this on Kevin. In their minds he was not of good character anyway so who really cares if he goes off to prison? The odd part of this article is where they tell us (this is new information for me) that his 1st wife actually gave birth to their daughter while he was in jail & allowed Kevin's parents to raise her. That's very odd to me. If anyone out there knows the reasoning behind that move, I'd be more than interested to hear it.
http://articles.latimes.com/1996-06-24/local/me-17992_1_kevin-lee-green

Ernie said...

Mr HiGuy you are so right! How much nerve does it take to sue someone who has been proven to be innocent beyond a reasonable doubt? Her family is a prime example of why she is so bitter and mean. She was raised that way.

Unknown said...

I was actually sorry to see in an earlier comment that Kevin is married again. I've seen his story several times and would love to find a man with his character and temperament. Not to mention he's a nice looking guy!

Ernie said...

Joni Warren I felt the exact same way! It broke my heart.

Unknown said...

As Memorial Day approaches, I wish we can all Thank ALL Military Personnel. I want to THANK YOU Kevin Lee Green for serving. You are ALWAYS in my prayers!

Unknown said...

As Memorial Day approaches, I wish we all reflect upon this horrible case...and Thank ALL of our Military Personnel. I want to Especially Thank U.s. Marine Kevin Lee Green for serving. You are ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS Mr. Green...Sir....Oorah!

Unknown said...

As Memorial Day approaches, I wish we can all Thank ALL Military Personnel. I want to THANK YOU Kevin Lee Green for serving. You are ALWAYS in my prayers!

chelseamydear1 said...

I have been working on behalf of my friend's son, Kevin Hammerschmidt, also falsely accused by the courts, on recanted testimony and nonexistant DNA evidence. Mr. Green, I am a veteran like yourself-US Navy, Gulf War I-and am firmly convinced of Kevin's innocense. As I understand it, the Innocense Project has taken an interest in his case and things are starting to look up. Any advice and/or assistance you can give me on this will be greatly appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Janine Sotomayor, 2607 Pelican Way, Blanchard, OK 73010; 405-485-2391 home #

chelseamydear1 said...

I have been working on behalf of my friend's son, Kevin Hammerschmidt, also falsely accused by the courts, on recanted testimony and nonexistant DNA evidence. Mr. Green, I am a veteran like yourself-US Navy, Gulf War I-and am firmly convinced of Kevin's innocense. As I understand it, the Innocense Project has taken an interest in his case and things are starting to look up. Any advice and/or assistance you can give me on this will be greatly appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Janine Sotomayor, 2607 Pelican Way, Blanchard, OK 73010; 405-485-2391 home #

Ernie said...

Thanks for the comment Chelseamydear1. I hesitated to post your comment because it contains your address and phone number. However, if Kevin or someone who knows him happens across this page, I would want them to know how to get in touch with you. I do not know how to contact Kevin. However, if you reach out to one of the innocence projects, they may be able to assist you. I'm sure they can get a message to him. I believe there is a branch in Kansas City. Good luck and I hope your friend's son get his day in Court.

Julee said...

For those seeking to have Kevin Greene speak at an engagment, it appears you can do this through the Innocence Project:
Please fill out this form to request an Innocence Project staff or exoneree speaker for your event. Be sure to answer all questions and include the name of the hosting organization.
*Please note: this form is not for case submissions. To submit a case, please visit: www.innocenceproject.org/submit-case/

Ernie said...

Julee thank you so much for that information! It is very helpful!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't read all of the comments but I am so very saddened that Diane has not found peace and forgiveness in her heart. And it seems that her parents have perpetuated the anger and hatred and have not taught her how to love and be logical. No man is perfect, and by his own admission, Kevin most certainly was not. What Diane's family seems to forget, that Kevin lost his flesh and blood too, and paid the ultimate price for his imperfections. Why would another human being be so unable to find forgiveness for another human you used to love?. And before anyone says, I haven't walked in those shoes, my father was shot down and killed by bank robbers in an infamous shooting in Riverside, California (Norco). I forgive them, and am so sad for them and bless their souls and hope that God has opened his arms and they have walked into them. God Bless, JB

Ernie said...

I agree with you. This is such a sad story for all concerned. Also, I don't understand how she could possibly still hold on to this venom after all this time. She is living in a hell not of Kevin's making.

Unknown said...

Both are just the vessel he is using..I hope nothing but the best for everyone involved.

Unknown said...

I would like to applaud the author of this article. I think it was well written and informative. I know that a story of Kevin Green first aired on TV around 1996. I have seen some of the stories but would like to be able to see one of the original stories. If anyone has a link could you please send it to me at sreid@sbcmh.org,
Thank you

Ernie said...

Thank you Unknown for the comment and the compliment. Both are appreciated. I don't have a link to anything newer but I will search and see what I can find. I will gladly forward it to you if/when I find it. Thanks again.

Ernie said...

Sorry....I meant older

Christine Delman said...

I just saw this case and my heart goes out to all involved. I truly hope Kevin's life has improved since his ordeal. I can't imagine beibg imprisoned for over 16 for such a heiness crime knowing I'm innocent. As far as Dianne, what happened to he was beyond horrible, but after all these years she should let go of he hatred of Kevin. If my bf leaves the house at night I always check to make sure it's locked, so hopefully she does that now. Best wishes for a happy life Kevin

Ernie said...

Thanks for the comment Christine Delman! From what I've been able to uncover, Kevin's life is wonderful. He has a wife and family and he travels the country giving speeches about his case and time in prison to bring awareness to the wrongfully imprisoned. However, I haven't been able to find anything that would indicate that Diane's life has been going as well. It's really sad and I truly do wish it weren't so...but it is what it is. I don't think she will ever find even a modicum of happiness until she lets go of at least some of that hatred and bitterness.

Unknown said...

I agree that Kevin and Dianne were victims of this horrible crime. I looked up information about the crime and tho the ex-wife made accusations of Kevin being the person responsible, this attack most definitely caused her to make these accusations because of her condition after the attack. Lots of issues that ( tho real to her) were wrong thoughts BECAUSE OF THE ATTACK! There are a lot of you not looking at the individuals who have gone through what she endured and have given her ANY GRACE AT ALL!
Lots of hateful people who probably think she is the criminal and not a victim. These two people ( for the most part ) are trying to move on in their lives unless they have chosen to be a voice to help others who have experienced similar fates.
I wish them both the VERY BEST IN THEIR LIVES! I responded because I have lived in Orange County CA since 1979 and I do remember this story. I also live in Tustin, CA. PEACE EVERYONE!

William Lutz said...

I would like to get some things straight here. I know that Kevin was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to a decade and a half in prison for a crime he didn't commit. I know that it was a huge thoughtless mistake of Dianna and her family's part to falsely accuse Kevin. However, some of the bashing and ugly criticism of Dianna within this thread doesn't sit well with me. Some of you ought to acknowledge that Dianne went through a permanent life shattering experience and she has reasons for her own resentment towards Kevin. From what I hear, he was definitely not a crowned saint either. He used to be somewhat belligerent, condescending, and inconsiderate partner, whose conduct understandably upset Dianne. It should be admitted that he was not Mr. Wonderful. I'm not saying Kevin deserved what he got, but his relationship offenses came back to bite him in the rear. So to all of you who are lambasting poor Dianna, put yourselves in her tainted shoes and keep those typing fingers in check.

Anyway, I'm glad that Kevin is living free and large despite those agonizing years behind bars. I also acknowledge that he's a major victim too. Although he wasn't a very loving husband, he was undoubtedly a great Marine who served his country. I give him credit for that.

Ernie said...

Well said William Lutz. Thank you for being an advocate for Dianne. Lord knows she doesn't have many vocal ones. I agree that Kevin was not a loving husband and was a bit of a "rounder" (as we like to say in the south). However, is that reason enough to be blamed, convicted and serve hard time for a crime he didn't commit? Shouldn't be....but apparently it was. And the main reason, the proverbial nail in the coffin, was Dianne and her parents. It was their venom that sealed the deal for the prosecution and sent an innocent man to prison. I fully admit (and have repeatedly admitted publicly) that what happened to Dianne was horrific. No one should ever have to go through that. I also understand how she could be implanted with false memories (which I believe happened). Those false memories are as strong as any real memory and I also understand that even after the truth came out, those false memories still seemed very real to her. Can't just switch that off. But it's been decades since her attack. She is still (from the little that I am able to find) full of venom towards him. Now she channels her hatred of him from him being the attacker to him not locking the door that night which allowed the attacker to get inside the apartment. It's a horrible thing to be consumed with rage and/or hatred towards someone. Especially when it is allowed to fester and grow for decades. I hope she's getting or has gotten professional counseling. I'd love to know that she has released her anger and is now living a happy life. I truly would. Thank you for your comment.

latitude_22 said...

I turned on the TV to see the Forensic Files Updated replay of what I had seen thirty-six years ago and had instant recall of Kevin Green, as if I knew him personally. I have concluded that this story influenced my decision to work in Behavioral Health and help victims of trauma and counsel those on the verge of suicide. The State decided to end funding for the Agency that had me working and took it over. But that didn't stop me from working with Mental Health patients and victims of abuse.
There are many reasons to learn how to prevent wrongful Rush To Judgement case scenarios everywhere. The fact this man has survived a nightmarish Travesty of Justice to create an opportunity for other victims to mend the damage done speaks volumes to me of a courageous Role Model this nation should be proud to recognize. Not saying he should be Canonized as a Saint ... but rather identified as one who can survive a miscarriage of life and Justice and remain human.
My life has changed for the better too as a result of this man's ordeal.
I actually see former clients in public and the progress they have made as a result of the hope in self-worth they elected to establish voluntarily.

So glad that I had the opportunity to see this episode, and have resolution to a re-occurring issue that has been haunting me for so long. Thanks!

Ernie said...

latitude_22 Thank you so very much for posting that comment. I think Kevin would be thrilled to know that he influenced you in such a positive way. I know I am. I think the reason that so many people are so interested in this story is exactly why it influenced you so greatly. It's the fact that Kevin could endure such a miscarriage of justice, could hang in there for nearly 20 years and still maintain his innocence rather than feign remorse (for something he didn't do) simply to be released early, and then go on to lead such a positive, giving and happy life. That amazes people. I seriously doubt that I could go through what Kevin went through and come out as a positive, giving and happy person. I think that could be said for many people. We are amazed and in awe of him. We understand he was not perfect but his reaction to such a tragic situation was pretty perfect - know what I mean? Thank you again for your comment.

Unknown said...

Amen to that!!

Unknown said...

I pray Dianna finally forgives for her sake. Kevin isn't the one that her hate should be directed to if @ all. His only mistake was going out & leaving door unlocked to get back in. Remember Colossian 3:13 and Matthew 6:14-15. Blessings to all!

Ernie said...

Scherry Meinhardt: You are so right. Thank you for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Kevin Green was a Marine. Did he get his honorable discharge? Does he have his veteran's benefits? He has the right to them.

Personally, I think Dianna is an evil, hateful person. There is no excuse for what she did to Kevin Green, and it troubles me that people are making up justifications for stealing the best years of Kevin's life.

Ernie said...

Anonymous: He was initially given a dishonorable discharge from the Marine Corps. However, once his conviction was overturned, the very authorities who locked him up, contacted the Marine Corps to notify them of his wrongful conviction and Kevin Green was given an honorable discharge. I don't know about his benefits. I would imagine he would have those reinstated as well. As for Dianna, I agree with you that she is vindictive and hateful. I don't know what she was like prior to her attack but I certainly know what she was like afterwards. What I mean by that, is I don't know if her head injuries and the subsequent long road to recovery turned her into a bitter angry woman or if she had those inclinations prior. All I know is when it comes to Kevin, she is indeed evil. I have heard that she is remarried and living a relatively happy life. I know Kevin is also remarried and appears to be leading a wonderful life. That is all we can really ask for in such a sad horrible situation. Thank you for your comment.

bailbo said...

i just watched this story and find that this woman has nothing but hate for her ex husband, he did nothing wrong maybe he was not a great husband, but there was nothing to suggest he attacked her, no DNA or anything, how can she blame him ? , greed for money ?, the man lost his daughter in this to and had to live with people calling him a baby killer, after being freed she still feels the need to blame him, this woman is a disgrace, and i myself would never have forgiven her for her lies, clearly she hated him enough to put him away, she should hang her head in shame

bailbo said...

what a disgrace of a woman to do this and blame him, she deserves nothing , maybe the millions she lost has blinded her

Ernie said...

bailbo, I agree that she didn't deserve a dime from Kevin. I have always felt that it was disgraceful that she took any of his money at all. I understood her filing the wrongful death claim when no one had proof that he was innocent but when the truth came out, she should have worked to get that verdict overturned. Kevin shouldn't have had to do it. She seems to have taken all her hatred of Gerald Parker (the real assailant) as well as all her frustrations/bitterness over losing her baby and the physical trauma she suffered and has focused all that anger, frustration and bitterness squarely on Kevin. She will never be able to live her life until she lets go of that. It's my understanding that she has remarried and I hope she is finally happy. It's been nearly a decade since she's appeared on camera or in a printed interview, so I hope during that time she has regained enough of her mental capacities to comprehend her part in this tragedy and perhaps to let go of some of that, I hope she has. I can't imagine living with all that. But I don't know if she has since she has chosen to stay out of the public eye. Her behavior during all of this angers me immensely but we need to remember that she suffered GREATLY and also that her mental capacity wasn't such that she actually knew the difference between what she was saying and what actually happened. I get so angry I could throw a shoe through my TV when I rewatch some of her interviews after Kevin was exonerated and she is still vehemently denying his innocence. Over time, and much thought, I have reached the conclusion that perhaps her venom isn't directed at Kevin's innocence so much as it is because the one memory she thought she had, turned out to be false and in order to live with what she caused to happen to Kevin, she needed to believe in his guilt. Did that make sense? I'm not excusing her behavior after it was proven that he was innocent. I'm merely trying to understand her reasoning.

Unknown said...

I too am a survivor of a home invasion assault with multiple injuries including a brain trauma..every case is different for everyone but, I cannot understand why Dianna continues to blame Kevin and have so much resentment still after knowing the truth..I've been in her shoes yet I feel more empathy for Kevin..

Ernie said...

Rebbie Swift: Thank you so so much for chiming in on our comments. None of us have suffered traumatic brain injuries, a couple of commenters are in the medical profession but still, none of us know what we're talking about really. We are just going by what we've read, seen and have been taught so to have an actual survivor to join the conversation is invaluable. I believe Diane is just holding onto a fantasy that she simply will not let go. She steadfastly refuses to believe that her memories, while real to her, were false and probably planted. It's like refusing to believe there's no Santa Claus. I try so hard to feel empathy for her, but it's just so hard. Kevin has my full support and empathy....Diane? Not so much.

Kevin L. Green said...

Hello. This is Kevin Green. I did not know of this blog until last night and now I think I am going to need to spend some time here Thanking everyone for the positive and caring thoughts and helping with first hand knowledge for those who need it to understand thing better.

Today is the 38th anniversary of the murder of my daughter Chantel. I want to participate with this blog because I know her death has a purpose and meaning - beyond 'victim'. I plan to start at the top and fill in the blanks I find. You have all been talking about my life for several years now and I am impressed and honored.

Thank You

Ernie said...

Kevin Green posted a comment on my page??!! I am having a serious fangirl moment right now! I wouldn't be more excited if Brad Pitt had posted a comment. Truly.

Mr. Green, Thank you so much for your comment. I would love nothing better than to have a conversation with you. I would love for you to fill in the blanks and correct any errors in my article. I'm sure there are a few.

I am so sorry about Chantel.

As you stated, we have been discussing your life for several years now. As you can see, you have a lot of people who are proud of you. Many people who cheer for you. Many people who cry because this happened to you...and to Chantel.

I am excited for this opportunity to "speak" with you. Thank you so much.

Kevin L. Green said...

Hello again.

If you haven't noticed I don't do blogs very well. I am better at talking than writing about the events in my life. Please don't take anything I say here at criticism of your efforts or the discussion. I know you have gleaned the information from written reports and TV shows and I can tell you that none of them have ever gotten it right, even when they have recorded my statements and can play them back.

The reason I feel it is important to clear some things up is because part of what caused me to be convicted was people getting the facts wrong. I would say the same exact words to two different people, each would remember my words wrong and I was accused of changing my story. I have only had one story to tell but as you can see in the comments from the contributors here things get crossed up, misremembered, made up or improved upon.

Some people here have noted that I was no Saint in 1979 and they are right. I have never denied my actions good or bad. I am not proud of things I did back then but I am open about those flaws and lapses in behavior because I want people to know how easy you can mess up your entire life, and the lives of others, when you are self centered and abusive.

Some other people here have said that I must be some kind of a Saint now, after going through what I have been through and living the way I do now. I'm no Saint but I am forgiving. God gave me something while I was in the belly of the beast. He gave me PEACE through faith. I am not into bible thumping, but I have read the book and know the stories. I lived through a shit storm of mental and emotional pain because I believed God had failed me and I was on my own to handle everyone and everything. - ALONE - Trust me, I know there are people around all of us today who will not walk away from their situation as I did. My experience is part of God's plan, what ever that may be.

I will start the review of details tomorrow, I hope. It is my day off but I have a few 'Honey dos" to get done. I'll be back.

Thank You

Ernie said...

As you stated, everything I wrote was gleaned from news reports, TV Shows that focused on your case, newspaper articles and interviews. Comments by me were all personal opinion. From time to time a person will message me or comment here claiming to have known you or to currently know you. Everything else is pure supposition and armchair sleuthing. I hope I haven't misguided anyone or colored the truth beyond recognition. I believe I'm the one who said you were no saint. I meant that to show that you weren't infallible. You were only human and you did human things with human errors, as do we all.

I believe our human failings and bad decisions don't seem to matter much as we go about our lives. However, when we are on trial for our lives, suddenly those failings and bad decisions are magnified when they come back to haunt us and are often used against us.

The people who hold you up as a "Saint" are marveling at your tenacity. At your ability to stand your ground when it would have been so much easier to apologize to the parole board, admit to something you didn't do and go home. They also marvel at your ability to forgive and to move forward. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that I truly don't know if I would handle your situation with your grace and gentleness. I would love to say that I would, but I don't think that I would. That's why after all these years, your story is so popular. Why people still tune in to watch it on TV or read blogs about it. Because it's good news. I know that sounds weird but it's good news that a normal, everyday man can go through what you went through and come out the other side a better person than he was when he went in. People need that reassurance. People need to know that it's possible to go forward after something horrific and out of your control happens to you. People don't want to hold an athlete or an actor up as a role model. They want to hold up an average Joe because we can all relate to an average Joe. Know what I mean?

I look forward to your next comment. I am eager to know the truth. I am eager to know your story unfiltered and unsensationalized by some TV producer or newspaper editor.

Thank you so much for visiting my little blog.
Sue

Scorpiomoonshine said...

I have been popping in and out of here, lurking and reading comments, etc. for a long time. This case and the way Kevin came out on the other side has always fascinated and impressed me. It's a lesson on tunnel vision, anger, stubbornness, perseverance, growth, forgiveness, and much more.

It's easy to feel disdain for Dianna; she was a victim, but she was also angry, vindictive, and deadlocked onto an error, while Kevin--also a victim, also innocent-- represents a much different side. We all want to be the bigger, better person, and Kevin represents that.

No one is perfect. Kevin admitted his faults (who isn't faulty?) and I am sure Dianna wasn't perfect, either. Neither deserved what happened, but it's much easier to root for the "good" guy. It's not that anyone thinks Dianna is the bad guy; it's just hard to get past the vitriol heaped on an innocent man. And then to sue him ... it's a little gross, to be honest. I don't know ... I could really go on about that, but I won't, lol.

I am a survivor of some pretty awful things, so I understand that Dianna has suffered a major, terrible trauma. I just can't get behind victims when, despite being faced with all evidence to the contrary, they bullheadedly double-down on being wrong rather than feeling relief that the real perpetrator was caught. This happens often when the witness cannot admit they were wrong. Eye-witness testimony is not the most reliable, especially when you add in trauma and a head injury.

I recall the story of a rape survivor who unintentionally misidentified her rapist. Eventually, the truth came to light and the innocent man got out. The victim apologized, met with him (he is also a victim!), and they became friends. (Thomas Cotton? I believe that's his name) Anyway, he was also a very kind and forgiving man.

I say all that just to say: we strive to be like Kevin G. and Thomas C. We all want to be better people, and often we are at our worst when things get rough. It puts things in perspective to see one go through something so bad and come out of it so good. It admirable, and it gives up hope for ourselves and our fellow humans. Rooting for the good guys will never go out of style.

I appreciate Kevin commenting here, and I do hope he makes it back to set the record straight. I appreciate the blogger, too. :)

(Apologies for the long, rambling comment--:) My thoughts got away from me, ha! )

Ernie said...

Scorpiomoonshine: Thank you for your comment. I feel the same way. Thanks for popping in and out. I hope that continues!

Ernie said...

For all of you who appreciated Kevin Green stopping by this little blog, I'd like to tell you that I spent a nice amount of time speaking with him via phone last week. He said that while I didn't get everything little thing right...I got enough correct to give folks a good idea as to what happened and how it went down. He shared some great insights into his case, and others like him.

One part that I got wrong, as did many others, is the part in which I said the man with the van walked past him close enough that they might have reached out and touched one another. Kevin tells me that in reality, the man in the van was parked behind a fast food restaurant in their parking lot which adjoined the apartment complex parking lot where Kevin lived. He said he noticed him because it was odd that someone would be parked there and because the guy was parked near a light, Kevin could see the guy kinda duck down when the lights from Kevin's car hit him. Kevin thought this was odd at the time, but since he had no idea that there was a serial killer on the loose in the area and he had not been back in his apartment to find his wife brutally attacked yet, he thought nothing of it until later.

When Kevin told me how it came to be that he was arrested, it broke my heart. Kevin said that one day he and Dianne were taking a walk and while she still couldn't speak she had developed a sort of sign language to communicate with him. As an example, she would point to her wedding ring if she was talking about him. While they were walking, she gestured to her stomach as if she was fat and looked at him quizzically. He felt she was remembering being pregnant. The doctors had been adamant that no one should help her rebuild her memories so Kevin feigned ignorance and pretended that he thought she was asking him if he thought she was fat.

Later her mother took Diane to her speech therapist appointment. While they were sitting in the waiting room, Diane again began to gesture to her stomach and then she would point to her wedding ring. Diane's mother jumped on those gestures and blurted out something to the effect of "Are you saying Kevin did this to you and killed your baby?"

She then rushed into the speech therapist office and told the therapist. At that point someone called the police (I wasn't sure exactly who made that call, I'm sure Kevin told me but to be honest I was taking in a lot of info at this point and neglected to put that in my notes....sorry....I'll try to get with him and iron that detail out). Kevin said when he arrived at the offices, there were scads of cops in unmarked cars waiting for him.

The thing that struck me most about Kevin was his humility. He was so humble. Another thing was his intelligence and empathy. I felt immediately at ease speaking with him. It was as if we had been friends for a long time and were just having a regular conversation. I don't know if that's how he felt, but that's how I felt.

Kevin wasn't one of those inmates that sat in prison making notches on his wall for every day that he served all the while daydreaming about a miracle that would spring him from his cell. While he was in prison he was active in groups promoting better conditions for the prisoners. He helped other prisoners and worked on bettering himself.

There was no way that he could ever know that he would one day walk out of there a free and vindicated man. Yet he still worked on becoming a better person, a more informed person, a stronger person. That speaks volumes to me because I'm not sure if I were in the same situation that I wouldn't have been that sour, bitter inmate who sits on their bunk and marks on her wall.

I hope to speak with him again soon. If I do, I will update this page to reflect that. My personal goal is to work more closely with the Innocence Project. That is my goal.

Ernie said...

Kevin said it shocked him to see this blog. He was surprised to see how many people were aware of his story and rooted for him. I told him the same thing that I've said on this blog, people root for Kevin, people love his story because Kevin could be us. He could be our brother, our father, our son, our spouse. It's like a real-life boogeyman story. The boogeyman took Kevin.....but Kevin was set free and has not only lived to tell the story but has flourished. That is the true testament to Kevin Green's worth as a human being. The fact that he endured one of the most horrific things that could happen to a person and came out the other side a better man, a positive person and a person committed to helping others in similar situations gain their freedom and to warn others of the fact that this could happen to them.

I'm a big fan of Kevin Green.

P.S. For those of you who have wondered about his life since his release, Kevin is happily married to a wonderful woman was a close friend of his sister. I am so happy to know that he has a nice life. He certainly deserves it.

More to come....

Anonymous said...

Just seen his story on tv....actually so moved as to search and comment on it. His interview during it is so telling. An amazing guy.

Ernie said...

Yes, he is. Thanks for commenting Anonymous!

WBotW said...

That poor woman. I really hope none of the poisonous souls who apparently get off on trashing Dianne and blathering on about how they don’t understand are never put into the position of being ABLE to understand.
This woman was beaten so severely, it was thought she had been shot. She was brutally raped and felt her baby die inside her. Her brain was permanently damaged and she was
fed false information by the people whom she should have always been able to trust.

She has a severe brain injury through NO fault of her own. Her daughter is dead, and what she was led to believe was true for over a decade is in actuality a myth.

If the third victim in this nightmare can be rational and decent enough to show some basic understanding and compassion then I’m pretty sure you vultures can follow suit.

Joey. Cootti said...

Lady i got two words forya VINDICTIVE BITCH wear it

Ernie said...

Unknown: I hope that wasn't directed at me? Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Green is a piece of crap. He beat and raped his pregnant wife (his semen was found on her), went to Jack in the Box (because you know a guy's gotta eat after he beats and rapes his pregnant wife and leaves her there), then, can you believe this, another sociopath waltzes in and beats and rapes her too. She lost the baby. 100% of my sympathy is with this poor woman, not the two woman-hating neanderthals. Green got what he deserved. You "God" people are something else. All your sympathy for this brute and none for the woman and child. So much for "pro-life." You're all a bunch of pathetic brainwashed misogynists. Go ahead and call me every filthy name in the book, Christians, because of course that's what Jesus would do.

Anonymous said...

Green is a piece of crap. He beat and raped his pregnant wife (his semen was found on her), went to Jack in the Box (because you know a guy's gotta eat after he beats and rapes his pregnant wife and leaves her there), then, can you believe this, another sociopath waltzes in and beats and rapes her too. She lost the baby. 100% of my sympathy is with this poor woman, not the two woman-hating neanderthals. Green got what he deserved. You "God" people are something else. All your sympathy for this brute and none for the woman and child. So much for "pro-life." You're all a bunch of pathetic brainwashed misogynists. Go ahead and call me every filthy name in the book, Christians, because of course that's what Jesus would do.

Anonymous said...

I have read all the posts... but your story about you talking on the phone with K. Green, was incomplete... what happened? Did he ever mention how is Dianna nowadays? What is her mental condition? If she remarried? Children? Her parents? Does she have brothers, sisters? Who help her day by day... I hope you can give us mor information. I have seen the ID tv program and I would like to have more information of this story. Poor Dianna... I am very sorry for help... Sorry for Kevin... but he did not have a brain health problem.
He was an immature person when he was married to Dianne, she was also very young... they committed mistakes. they lost a baby... she lost her life and even, he was in prision 16 years, and she is full of hate for him, he could remarry, have a life while she hasn't. Maybe her health problems do not allow her to have a couple. It is such a very painful story for both of them, but more for Dianne.

Anonymous said...

I have read all the posts... but your story about you talking on the phone with K. Green, was incomplete... what happened? Did he ever mention how is Dianna nowadays? What is her mental condition? If she remarried? Children? Her parents? Does she have brothers, sisters? Who help her day by day... I hope you can give us mor information. I have seen the ID tv program and I would like to have more information of this story. Poor Dianna... I am very sorry for help... Sorry for Kevin... but he did not have a brain health problem.
He was an immature person when he was married to Dianne, she was also very young... they committed mistakes. they lost a baby... she lost her life and even, he was in prision 16 years, and she is full of hate for him, he could remarry, have a life while she hasn't. Maybe her health problems do not allow her to have a couple. It is such a very painful story for both of them, but more for Dianne.

Anonymous said...

From the TV show I watched it said that Dianna worked with a speech therapist and that her mother wanted this person to hear Diana’s memory. From the TV account the therapists asked her leading questions such as *did Kevin do this? * I think these questions would reinforce her hazy memories. I was in a terrible car crash and lost the memory of about ten days even though my son says I was conscious and trying to speak. I was intubated at the time but I have absolutely no memory of this. Also from working in a hospital it is true that severe head injuries can drastically change personalities and cause anger problems. It is too bad that Dianna can’t let go of the memories that haunt her because she would be so much happier. Also it is telling that no one said what a lovely. Wonderful and almost angelic person she was before. That seems to be the trend in most cases. Such a sad situation.

MrSeanLane said...

I bet you the speech therapist, or some "professional" led Dianna down the path of the repressed memory BS. It would have been the correct time for that stuff to come up in court.

I would bet if you can get the name of any of the therapists (or single therapist) that Dianna worked with after the accent you could probably follow the money to them somehow being associated with the ISSTD. I've tried to find some court transcripts or really any solid names in this case.

If anyone knows the name of Dianna's therapist, please put it here.

Megan Noe said...

KEVIN GREEN

I just watched your episode with Paula Zahn and I knew IMMEDIATELY that thos man(you) didn't commit that crime! I couldn't believe hearing my TV when they said they didn't think you committed it after all since your ex-wife was still very voice full to put it mildly that you were in fact guilty along with the REAL assailant. Your streagth and heart truly is inspiring and remarkable!

SK said...

First of all, I’m not religious at all, and I’m staunchly pro-choice—and I am firmly on the side of the folks on here who take issue with Dianna’s bizarre vindictiveness since Kevin was exonerated of a crime he did not commit. So I don’t know where you got the idea that the folks on here taking issue with Dianna were motivated by theological ideology, nor do I have a clue where you got your information on the facts of the case.

It appears that you dropped in here just to make up a story so you can drag the rest of us into your own little psychodrama about organized religion, because nothing in your post makes the slightest bit of sense otherwise.

Given your screen name, I’m left to suspect that you troll various blogs looking for any forum to gratuitously work out your issues with organized religion—by taking an opposing view to the group solely for the purposes of setting the stage for your silly lecture.

There’s no evidence whatsoever that Kevin raped his wife. It’s a bit depressing that I have to remind you that the DNA of the semen didn’t match her husband (that’s what acquitted him). So no, by your own admission it would be hard to believe that this woman would be raped twice in one night, because she wasn’t. She was beaten and raped by one man, the identity of which was proven by DNA evidence and the perpetrator’s own admission. The only thing you got right about Kevin was that he went to Jack in the Box, for the crime of being hungry.

Frankly, you’re alarmingly dishonest, not to mention tiresome, and you have issues. Please sit down, and start turning your righteous indignation on your own inventory.

Ernie said...

I haven't responded to comments in a little while (sorry). First to "dontbothermewithyourgod stuff"....You are regurgitating Dianne's story WHICH HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE FALSE. I have always felt great sympathy for Dianne as has 99% of the commenters on this blog. However, we can have sympathy for her situation and still believe that she is being vindictive, obsessive and cruel. She has found herself in a "victim" frame of mind and she appears to be living there most comfortably. I don't know what her frame of mind is these days. I can't find anything recent on her. When I last spoke with Kevin he said she has not remarried, has no children and still lived with her family. He didn't sound angry with her or begrudging towards her. His voice didn't tighten up when he mentioned her. Which I found amazing because if I were in his shoes, I would be holding a bit of a grudge. Kevin is a human being. He has his faults (and he had them back then). The measure of a human is not how perfect we are, it's how we learn from and work to change our imperfections and I believe Kevin has dug deeply to identify his imperfections and has worked extremely hard to address them....and has done a steller job of it. Thank you all for commenting.

Ernie said...

Well said SK

Anonymous said...

Hi Eenie! Been following and it's been years since Kevin said he was going out for the honey-dos and that he would get right back here and give us a correct version of what transpired. I was never sure if that could have been a good idea. Notwithstanding and out of curiosity, I kept checking this blog to see if he would indeed come back.

I feel sorry for both of them and marvel at the fact that Kevin came out strong and is presently doing so well. I hope Dianna has moved on and put all these things behind her; we want the best for her too. No woman deserves to go through what she underwent. Eugene

Anonymous said...

All I know is that on that night Kevin should have went to that restaurant and said as a matter of fact I won't take it to go I'll eat it here very very slowly.

biblehunter said...

If I was Kevin on that night I would have said no I don't want it to go I want to eat it here very very slowly. I think his wife deliberately has put it in her mind to destroy Kevin and he's a bigger man for looking past it but nobody deserves what he went through. I think she is a terrible horrible person. Perhaps that night was her karma interrupted!

biblehunter said...

I'm not going to call you every filthy name in the book but I can tell you that your ignorant of the facts. The DNA proved that he didn't sexually abuse her in any way. I could imagine during pregnancy that men go through frustration all the time because of 9 months without sex just think about it. It's natural and it's not anything abnormal but I don't think it is as heated and is blatant as you try to explain it. I'm a Christian and I don't believe that she deserved it but I do think that she could have been a more compassionate after she learned the truth.

Anonymous said...

She’s more angry at Kevin than the man that raped and tried to kill her