Who is Dianna D’Aiello and how did she die? Details about the Crime Junkie podcast subject, explored

Dianna D’Aiello’s story is a heartbreaking and inspiring tale of survival. In September 1979, she endured a horrific attack in her Riverside, California, home. She was over nine months pregnant, eagerly awaiting the birth of her daughter.

Instead, she suffered a severe head injury and lost her baby. Her case, covered in the Crime Junkie podcast, is a mix of tragedy, justice, and the power of never giving up.

Dianna D’Aiello was 21 years old and living in Riverside with her husband, Kevin Lee Green. The couple had met when Dianna was just 18 or 19, and Kevin was still married to his first wife. After his divorce, Kevin and Dianna began building a life together. By 1979, they were excitedly preparing for the arrival of their baby girl, Chantel Marie.

The night everything changed for Dianna D’Aiello

On September 30, 1979, Dianna and Kevin spent the evening hosting friends at their home. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter and chatter filling the house. After the guests left, Kevin stepped out twice: once to buy marijuana and alcohol and later to pick up fast food from a nearby Jack in the Box.

When Kevin returned home after 1 a.m., he heard Dianna moaning in pain. He rushed inside to find her lying on the floor with a severe head injury. Panicked, Kevin called the police, assuming she had been shot.

Doctors determined Dianna’s injury wasn’t from a gunshot but blunt-force trauma. While at the hospital, her placenta detached due to the stress of her injuries. An emergency C-section was performed, but tragically, her baby, Chantel Marie, did not survive.

Dianna’s injuries were so severe that she couldn’t remember what had happened. The police verified Kevin’s alibi, he had indeed been out buying food at the time of the attack. With no witnesses and no clear evidence, the case went cold.

Months after the attack, Dianna began to recover some memories. She recalled that she and Kevin had argued that night because he had been drinking and using drugs. She also remembered that when Kevin returned home, he tried to initiate sex, and when she refused, he became violent. She accused him of attacking her with metal keys.

Based on Dianna D’Aiello’s testimony, Kevin was arrested and charged with assault and the second-degree murder of their unborn child. Despite inconsistencies in her account due to her memory loss, the jury convicted him in 1980. He was sentenced to prison, but he always insisted he was innocent.

Unbeknownst to many, Riverside was plagued by a string of violent attacks around the time Dianna was assaulted. The perpetrator, Gerald Parker, earned the nickname “Bedroom Basher” because of his brutal crimes.

In 1996, advancements in DNA technology linked Parker to multiple attacks, including the one on Dianna D’Aiello. Parker confessed to being her attacker, clearing Kevin’s name after he had spent over 16 years in prison.

Although Kevin was proven innocent of the attack, Dianna maintained that he had been abusive during their relationship. She testified against Gerald Parker in court, determined to seek justice.

Despite her trauma, Dianna focused on rebuilding her life. She attended beauty school and moved to Hesperia, California. She became active in her community and poured her love into caring for animals.

Now, Dianna enjoys a peaceful life surrounded by loved ones, including her daughter Ashley and granddaughter Haley. She has found happiness in her quiet, supportive circle and continues to be a voice for resilience and courage.

Trending

Dianna D’Aiello’s story is about survival, justice, and starting over. It reminds us of the power of truth and determination, even when life feels impossibly hard. Her case also shows how advancements in technology can help correct injustices, ensuring that real criminals face consequences.

Dianna D’Aiello’s life was forever changed on that terrible night in 1979, but her strength carried her through the darkest moments. Her journey is a testament to resilience and hope. Despite losing so much, she built a new life filled with love, purpose, and peace.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Comment