Homicidal Hobbit Hoffman Stashes 3 Ohio Victims In Tree
Mathew J Hoffman, former Knox County tree trimmer, gave police the 411 to locate Tina Herrmann, her son Kody Maynard and family friend Stephanie Sprang. Sarah Maynard, 13, was previously rescued from Hoffman’s Mt Vernon, Ohio residence.
The missing victims were found in a hollowed-out tree trunk , inside plastic garbage bags.
Hoffman became a POI after police found him idling along the trail eventually leading the remains. Hoffman is a convicted felon from Colorado.
13 year old Sarah Maynard, was found in Hoffman’s Mt. Vernon Home bound and gagged. Investigators will not say whether our not she has been sexually assaulted.
Police will not disclose the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the victims. The investigation is ongoing.
Please check back to blinkoncrime.com for updates
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@48.Cherylynne says:
November 20, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I dont see how he took on 4 people either. He must have won their trust first
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In the video of the tree being cut down (which gave me major willies btw), it shows him being arraigned. I don’t know how big he is, but he is sleeveless and has major arm muscles. A blow to the head by him would knock you out quick.
Or, they may all have been sleeping? This is just the creepiest tragedy.
Did anyone call the cops on this freak voyeur?
B
Hello? I call the police ALL THE TIME. I wouldn’t be surprised if they answered the phone, “Who’s breaking the law now, Jayne?”. I don’t cry wolf. It is always for a valid reason. Seriously, the guy was capturing squirrels and eating them, having frequent bonfires in his back yard and monitoring people from the trees?????? Red flags red flags red flags red flags
Gosh, what a violent attack per upthread. If the three were knifed to death, maybe the mother and son were killed first and the friend happened to drop in as or after the crime was being committed. How friggin creepy he was once possibly sitting across the way watching – reminds me of the movie “Cape Fear”. My prayers to the families and friends of these innocent victims and to all those involved in the search/recovery. What a heartbreak for so many.
One more thing…I don’t think these questions were answered. Were neighbors aware this guy had a criminal background? How does an excon afford to buy a house?
I agree Monkey bunny – red flags galore- but not against the law to bon fire- in your own yard or stare at people- or eat wildlife. He was strange but not enought for any police to do anything about it- they could fine him or give a ticket but that wouldnt keep us safe from this creep
I think when his EX girlfriend filed a police report-she was too afraid to press charges because our judicial system allows him to post bail even then, many walk free that have assaulted or hit someone. Im sure if she could be assured he would stay locked up – she would more likely press charges
If I found out my neighbor had a criminal background as an arsonist, it would’t scream brutal killer or people currently being held hostage/kidnapped in his basement. Its like his criminal background doesnt seem to match who did this. Perhaps the arson he was charged with was a cover up for other crimes.
Respectfully, I disagree totally. Arson is a unique perp profile in and of itself.
Add the other info, this clown would have been on the radar at a minimum.
B
@48.Cherylynne says:
November 20, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I dont see how he took on 4 people either. He must have won their trust first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not nessarily, Cherylynne. Richard Speck was able to single-handedly restrain and murder eight nurses in their Chicago nursing dorm in 1966.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The details of this horrible crime sicken me. I can only pray that the surviving family members of these victims are one day able to find some peace.
42.pink angel says:
November 20, 2010 at 12:12 am
Blink says, “Who leaves a crime scene with blood everywhere, and has a hiding spot which APPEARS he worked on previously, which would have been near impossible to find?
B”
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Blink, I agree. My guess is that he’s either been committing similar offenses for awhile, OR he has been “rehearsing”.
Either way, he is one sick perp.
I am submerged in a diff case through the weekend, but I am telling you, there is more to this cat.
Does not gahzinta. ( ask your DIL, lol)
B
@cherylynne #49. It doesn’t seem possible does it? I don’t know if you remember 4-5 years ago when Joseph Duncan killed an entire family (including the big biker male in the house) and kidnapped 2 children (later killing one of them). This case eerily reminds me of this horrible tradgedy. Hopefully they will figure out his other victims as they did in the case involving Joseph Duncan.
Lawdy your on my page. That was my first thought, I am alone in this hypothesis, but I absolutely believe him to be responsible for the death of the Short family. He is at the top tier of my creeper factor, hands down.
B
It looks like this guys Mom and stepfather lived just a couple doors down from the victims. It’s possible he lived with Mother for a while? I read somewhere she’s probably who bought him his house. She could have not wanted him around her. Blink, curious how you think he could be responsible for Short family murders?
AAAAH.
I am sorry. I was referring to Jet Duncan, referenced in the comment I responded to, not Hoffman.
B
This story just maxed out the creep- o meter for sure..
Twinmamma you are right – I forgot about that Joseph Duncan (gag) you would just think that many adults near & no gun involved, someone would have tried to jump him or something. I guess the people in this case didnt see themselves able to outdo him- what a tragic story this is
Blink I dont know much about arson type profiles – they must be one strange breed with its own underlying physiology. After reading about the details of this horrific crime- someone caught setting fire doesn’t sound very threatening- but you are right, the profile of someone who does that is very disturbed.
Seriously Blink? The Short family? That would have made this guy what…about 22 at the time?
Duncan?
Yes, he raped his first young male victim as a tween. You know me pretty well right?
Imo, we do not know the half of his atrocities. He is his own species. He is one my boogeyman by far.
Disclosure: I have more than one colleague that has worked his case. I have read every line of his Fed prosecution.
Nobody that has interviewed him thinks they know 1/3 of what he has done, or is capable of.
B
Hi everyone,
Longtime reader, first-time poster. Just wanted to share the following news story from The Columbus Dispatch because it gives the most detail I’ve seen so far about this guy’s behavior since he’s been in custody.
For whatever reason this case had really thrown me for a loop. Not that I’m not deeply horrified on a regular basis by countless stories making the news.
Like many people, I’m sure, I am curious about this Matthew J. Hoffman and wonder what possibly could have caused him to do such a thing. It’s a question that I realize is probably unanswerable, but for now, I wonder…and am curious to find out everything I can about this guy and what happened. Thought this was a good article and wanted to share.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/11/20/authorities-cut-down-tree-where-bodies-of-3-missing-people-found.html?sid=101
welcome lilah and thank you.
B
Blink-I agree with you 100%. Joseph Duncan is the epitome of evil. My neice and nephew were friends with little Dylan Groene and we are friends with individuals who have been fostering the lone survivor, Shasta. There is definitely more to Joseph Duncan then anyone could possibly know. This case dredges up so many sad and terrifying moments. What Shasta and this new girl will have to live with for the rest of their lives is so heartbreaking. Praying that her support system will be unwavering, understanding, and unconditional to her with their love and support. My twins were just babies when the killings/kidnappings happened-and it has totally affected how I have raised them. I don’t wish these things to happen-but kiss your babies and be on watch mamma’s! Sorry, normally just a blink reader-not poster, just felt inclined.
Blink,
About a tall, hollowed tree.
I’m not posing as an arborist, but we have a lot of trees on the west
coast.
Trees do not become hollow overnight – it can take decades – and while the center of the tree (the heartwood) may be decaying, the tree continues to lay down healthy wood (sapwood) around the outside of its trunk. This results in the formation of a cylinder, the strength of which depends upon the percentage of healthy to unhealthy tissue.
Over a period of time, you can find a very strong and very tall tree that is hollow inside. But 65 feet is a difficult climb with a pocketful of body parts. He had to have been strongly compelled.
Now, we need to think about the healthy and unhealthy brain who
could commit these acts. And Hell, Yeah, shout it from the mountaintops when you see and hear strange activities.
Thanks, Nagol, for your strong encouragement and wishes for a happy holiday season for everyone here.
Fascinating. I don’t know if I am suffering from occupational hazzard and overthinking this, but there is something really off.
Thanks for the tree info, a rotting tree would also be nitrate-laden I presume- you see where I am going with this.
B
In regards to how Hoffman was able to take on 4 people…
I think it is very telling that they found this family’s little dog in the hollow tree with the two women and the little boy.
According to statements made by the boyfriend who was living in the home with Ms.Hermann and her children, “someone” had been stalking the family and watching them for a number of months… They were aware of it, and creeped out by it.
I think Hoffman had this very meticulously planned out.
In my opinion, it is plausible he killed the dog first, so it would not alert the women to his presence within the home— reducing the chances they would have time to flee or call for help, before he ambushed them.
This whole case is beyond horrifying…
I hope all who are so inclined, are keeping young Sarah in their prayers, during this difficult time.
: (
11.Cherylynne says:
November 20, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Blink I dont know much about arson type profiles – they must be one strange breed with its own underlying physiology. After reading about the details of this horrific crime- someone caught setting fire doesn’t sound very threatening-
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Arson is a very dangerous crime, and, in my experience, most arsonists have “mental” issues. When we talk about sociopathy, firesetting/arson is considered part of the overall pathology. Another behavior is the torture and killing of small animals. We know this perp has engaged in both. We will learn more about his personality traits as this case unfolds, and I suspect his psychological profile will reveal more pathology. I would not at all be surprised to learn that he had at least some previous contact with the mental health system, nor will I be surprised to see an insanity defense used in this case.
Re:
VTLady79 says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
November 21, 2010 at 9:02 am:
I think Hoffman had this very meticulously planned out.
In my opinion, it is plausible he killed the dog first, so it would not alert the women to his presence within the home— reducing the chances they would have time to flee or call for help, before he ambushed them.
**********************************************
OOPS! I Accidentally edited out a part of my earlier post…
I meant to say this:
If Hoffman killed the family’s dog, and quietly gained access inside the home, I think it is plausible that he first targeted one of Ms. Hermann’s children—Because, if he walked into a room where the two adults were, and was already holding one of the kids with a knife to the child’s throat— I believe it would have been VERY easy to get (especially mom) to fully cooperate.
Perhaps the mother would even agree to tie up her other child and her good friend, in hopes that if she did as told the kid’s lives would be spared.
At that point, Hoffman would only have had one unrestrained victim to deal with, unbound, rather than 4, making it much easier to maintain control of the situation.
Just my theory as to how this creep MIGHT have been able to, initially, accomplish the abduction of 4 people, single handedly, in a “home invasion” style ambush.
MOO.
Another pretty detailed and disturbing story about him from The Columbus Dispatch (that Lilah linked to earlier).
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/11/21/murdersuspectwaslongonabadpath.html?sid=101
Thanks, HON, for posting that link. So far The Columbus Dispatch has provided the best detailed coverage I’ve seen. The Denver Post has been doing pretty well too–Hoffman did time in a Colorado prison for his arson conviction.
This story from the Denver Post contains some quotes from a former employer and some friends who knew him while he lived in Colorado. A couple crumbs of insight, for those interested:
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16618467
His former boss called him “a follower,” without “a strong personality,” while his friend described him as “having not a lick of common sense.”
I had read that Tina Hermann was in the process of separating from her bf and was looking for another residence, but still residing in the same house with the then ex-bf until residence was found. It also reported that the night of the murder the ex-bf spent the night with a friend. Did LE verify his alibi? also, all the beer cans found in the home. maybe hoffman befriended tina (via DQ) and came over for beers and company. the women maybe became intoxicated so it was easy for him to take them out? I also read where a commentor to one of the stories of this case stated “you watch, they’re going to find that he is the I-40 killer. Never heard of it but I’m going to read up on it. Thanks for including this case on your site. it’s going to be an interesting one.
I completely agree.
B
Hon,
One of the most disturbing comments in that story came from someone who knew he was in prison and thought he was “maladjusted” because of that.
He was an arsonist!!! If that doesn’t Flag your Flag, then I don’t know what will…
Blink–back to your nitrate comment…I am reminded of Drew Peterperson who knew what kind of chemicals are used to disappear bodies in barrels.
There is a method to their madness.
I didn’t document any of the Mr. Pozole acid-killing types of people- disappearing because they are just too graphic.
If anyone would like my sources, just ask.
WG
My ex is a sociopath. He loves animals, is very charming,well liked, but very evil behind closed doors. When he was a bit younger he accidentally set fire to his parents barn. I now do not think it was an accident. He has many weapons and is very controlling, but can mimic human emotion easily. Sociopaths start observing others while they are children, they are usually highly intelligent and they use their skills to mimic normal emotions that others display because they do not have them. Antisocial disorder is a nicer way of saying a person is a sociopath. He got physical with me and I did not report it because I would become the obsession of his revenge.
I’m away from him now, but the emotional scars these people leave can last a lifetime. I pray for the victims and their families. This is an awful tragedy.
Of heroes and angels we talk while animals among us walk.
obits.
http://www.mountvernonnews.com/obituary/10/11/22/stephanie-sprang
http://www.mountvernonnews.com/obituary/10/11/22/tina-herrmann-kody-maynard
There was significant blood found in Tina’s home
This was released early on in the investigation:
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20101114/NEWS01/11140328
snipped from above link:
“Someone was obviously injured in the house,” Barber said. “The reason there is a focus on the blood is because there is an unusual amount of blood in that house. It isn’t from someone stubbing they’re toe or cutting they’re finger while peeling an apple.”
Here is another article. The article states that a co-worker said Hoffman had his own tree climbing equipment.
The article also has a quote from Tina’s ex-boyfriend’s uncle who cleaned up after they were allowed back in the home. I have nor read anything or heard anything that shows the ex boyfriend was involved at all.
http://www.ohio.com/news/109608899.html
Snipped from above link:
Nobody knows how the killer managed to put the bodies in the tree, though wildlife officials say beech tree trunks are typically hollow. Hoffman’s former co-workers at a tree-trimming business say he had his own climbing equipment.
The disappearances and subsequent discovery of the bodies have unfolded like a horror movie in Mount Vernon, where people banded together to form search parties in hopes of finding the victims.
Pejsa, uncle of Herrmann’s former boyfriend, Greg Borders, said he was the first person allowed inside the home after investigators cleared the scene. He cleaned blood off the bathroom walls with bleach so that his nephew wouldn’t have to see it.
”It was terrible,” he said. ”Everything led back to the bathroom.”
OMG. I still say that scene does not make sense.
B
I also read in one of several articles that Mr. Hoffman was a member of a gym. He would go late in the evening when the cleaning crew was arriving. Ms. Sprang worked on the cleaning crew at said gym. Perhaps that was another connection. Mr. Hoffmann was said to have cried his first night in jail. Maybe he’ll breakdown and just spill his guts. BTW, he’s a much larger man than I’d imagined.
@Cherylynne,
Thanks for your comment. I feel like I get the scroll and roll a lot, but that is because I comment a lot and probably don’t offer much insight. I do believe that one of the neighbors said either on JVM or NG that residents in that neighborhood require a burn permit for fires in their yards. She commented that she saw fires over there all the time
Here is another piece of information that has been in a handful of articles regarding this case…
snipped from below link:
He said authorities first questioned Hoffman the day after Herrmann did not show up for work. Police found him sitting in his car near a bike trail near where Herrmann’s pickup truck was found, Barber said.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/18/bodies-ohio-believed-missing-family/#ixzz162fbSG3I
BTW B: The news is reporting all three victims were stabbed in the back. Let me know if I need to post a link.
Apologies if this has already been posted. Autopsy report released; coroner says no sign of sexual assault.
http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/10/11/22/autopsy-report-gives-details-into-deaths
Ooops, my bad. The comment I read where they would find he was the I-40 killer was Thomas Steven Sanders, who was declared legally dead 16 years ago but has just been convicted of murdering a mother and daughter from vegas. Another weird case. Maybe blink would consider this one as well
“Of heroes and angels we talk while animals among us walk.”
Jeff D.–can you cite the source of this quote? Thx. WG
Regarding relatives cleaning up after a tragic event…
Do they know there are companies who do this work everyday?
Way too scarring for a relative to do, imho.
Not a quote. Just a passing thought…
nitrate-laden —–> as in, speed up the process of decomposition?
Actually I have learned that really is not effective, what it does is mask the scent of decomp for cadaver dogs.
B
37.Ragdoll says:
November 22, 2010 at 7:03 pm
nitrate-laden —–> as in, speed up the process of decomposition?
Actually I have learned that really is not effective, what it does is mask the scent of decomp for cadaver dogs.
B
*****
I was also wondering if it would perserve the body…mummify the bodies. This would help if there are other victims.
In 1969 I had the opportunity to visit with a conviceted arsonist for several hours. My impression was that this guy should never be allowed into the public again. He was crazy as a loon. He would get all excited when he described a fire scene that he set. He loved to see fire destroy something that someone had built and loved to see the firemen try to put it out.
The person in this case burned a townhome complex in Steamboat Springs in order to cover up a burglery, but they should have placed him in a mental institution when he served his time. There are many small townhome developments in Steamboat that are rentals for the Ski season.
Twinnmama
I am so glad that the community continues to help little Shasta get over her trauma. She was very lucky that Joseph Duncan decided to take her to the Denny’s resturant. I ate lunch in that very Denny’s one afternoon on a trip to the Northwest in 1999. My wife and I remarked at how the people working in the resturant were so warm and caring about serving the customer. The type of real people who look after one another.
Sandyeggo
This crazy human was stalking the thirteen year old. He didn’t want the two women or the little boy. They just represented an impediment to his goal. That is why she was still alive in his basement.
This crime is horrific. My prayers are with the family.
My husband is a consulting forester here in Ohio and has worked Knox County many times. We have many friends in the forestry industry of which some are loggers. They are all amazed at the craziness of climbing 35ft on a hollowed tree. We wonder about the climbing gear used. A basic climbing belt minus D-Rings and such usually weighs 7-10lbs. The size and length of rope needed to throw over the first limb could have weighed 15-20lb. Hoffman had at least 22lbs in equipment then add the bag(s) of body parts and he was hauling some serious weight up that hollow tree. I am betting he used spikes to assist him.
Welcome OS-
Unless I am incorrect, I think this tree was 65 ft. Anyone?
B
Sorry Blink, my error. The Dispatch reported the tree at 65ft.
Not at all. I have freakish recall in some areas, none in others .
How does another 30 ft change things for you, if at all?
B
Many prayers for Sarah are being sent up tonight, and in all the days to come. I cannot begin to imagine what that child must be going through. My heart goes out to her, and all the others who loved/love Tina, Kody, Stephanie, and the little Min Pin, Tanner. May these beloved innocents rest peacefully with the angels.
P.S. to Blink: when my newly engaged DIL and stepson get back, I will be sure and ask her to define “does not gahzinta”. lol
BTW, thanks for being here. When a case this devastating comes along, it is comforting to have this forum and your guidance, Blink.
Shalom, my friend.
Another 30ft proves to me that Hoffman had to wear spikes to climb that tree. I strongly believe that there was no way Hoffman could throw a 15-20lb climbing rope high enough to clear the first limb, get it over the limb and tie off to start his mount. It also proves to me how crazy this man is. No logger I know would climb a hollow tree 35ft let alone 65ft. They would leave the tree for nature to take it’s course, or fell it at the stump. In the picture you can clearly see that when the logger tried to cut the tree at the stump it cracked and broke before they were able to get the second felling wedge cut.
I’ve just spent over two hours trying to dig up research articles that study the link between offenders who commit arson, going on to commit sexual assaults, stalking, and other “power/control” linked offenses…
I’m nearly certain, that I’ve heard that arson can often be found in the past criminal histories of violent sex offenders… but, maybe I’m remembering wrong?
Anyone in the know regarding such a link?
Also, while thinking on Hoffman’s arson conviction from Colorado, it crossed my mind that perhaps he set that fire for a reason OTHER than reported (to “cover up a burglary”).
Many articles have reported that, Hoffman burglarized that particular unit, stole a car— and then returned the NEXT DAY with 10 gallons of gasoline and set the fire.
That sounds more than a little bit odd, to me…
I would be interested in knowing *who* lived in the townhouse unit he set fire to.
Currently I’m working on tracking down that information, and will post if I find it…
I’m wondering if this could have been the home of someone he was actively *stalking*, for instance, and not just some random burglary hit, for him?
I think that knowing as much as possible about the crimes he is KNOWN to have committed, might go a long way in linking him to currently unsolved crimes, that he is also responsible for.
JMHO, MOO!
There was a porch fire last night at Tina Herrmann’s Home:
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/state/chief-suspicious-fire-at-home-where-3-slain
Chief is saying the fire is suspicious…
snipped from above link:
Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District Chief Larry Stimpert said firefighters were sent Monday night to the Howard home of Tina Herrmann, where they found the porch on fire.
Stimpert says the fire was quickly contained. He says it burned the porch and melted some siding, but did not extend inside the home.
He says the fire is being investigated. No one was home at the time.
O you know what it on my mind so I am going to bite it until there is more info.
B
So are people thinking there was a fire to destroy evidence at the scene maybe because of an accomplice or someone in town wanted that house and all its evil burned to the ground? Prayers to all the families, LE, search and recovery and the entire town. God bless.
“O you know what it on my mind so I am going to bite it until there is more info.
B”
Well, not exactly. But I have a pretty good idea of what you think of “coincidental” fires.
This guy is in jail and the porch is set on fire. Someone else is involved in this crime. LE needs to dig a little deeper.
Maybe LE can get this perp to do some more talking.
Sheesh.
Can’t shake it. This is bigger than these victims. Yep.
Who starts a porch fire at the address of a multiple murder victims?
Anyone really need me to answer that?
B