In the fall of 1989, Richard Dow and Karen Saffian although separated, still maintained a relationship. It was during this time frame that Dow revealed to Karen that Jan and Steven had not died in a car accident as publicly reported.

The following was reported to the NH State Police by Karen Saffian.

Part 1

It was late at night ……..
 
We were both sitting in the living room on opposite sides of the room.  My son was sleeping at my parent’s house.  We were not arguing, nor were we speaking about Jan and Steven.  Neither of us had been drinking. 
 
Out of the blue Dow suddenly began asking me questions.   

He began by asking:
 
Dow: How did Jan and Steven really die?  How do you think they really died, Karen?

Karen: Dick they died in a car accident.

Dow: Why did the accident happen so close to the house?  Think Karen!  Why do you think the accident happened so close to the house?

Karen: I don’t know why it happened so close to the house.

Dow: Why weren’t there any skid marks in the road?

Karen: I don’t know why there weren’t any skid marks in the road.

Dow: Think, Karen!  Why weren’t there any skid marks in the road?

Karen: I don’t know why Dick.

Dow: You’re not thinking Karen, THINK!!  Why weren’t there any skid marks in the road?

Karen: I don’t know why Dick, do you know why?

Dow: Yes, I know why.

Karen: Why Dick, why weren’t there any skid marks in the road?
 
Dow got up and began to move.  I stood up.  He went over to a shelf where we had a picture of Steven.  Dow picked up the picture – held it up in my view – my direction – looked at me and shouted: “Because this fucking kid fucking shot his mother, that’s why!!” 
 
Dow threw the picture in my direction.  It flew past me and crashed into the kitchen cupboards, fell on the floor, and I heard the glass break.  I stood still - so still - just looking at him.  I remember feeling horrified, so horrified that time seemed to stand still.  I felt like I had just entered into a surreal world.

Karen: Steven shot his mother?  When?  While she was driving the car?  Dick, no,  that doesn’t make any sense.  While she was driving the car?  Why would he shoot her while she was driving?  What do you mean?  How do you know this?  He shot her while she was driving the car???

Dow:  No, not while she was driving the car.