Summary of "The Mother’s Day Attack" Episode of The Knife: A True Crime Podcast

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Mother’s Day Attack," hosts Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton delve into the harrowing true story of Tennyson Jacobson and her family's encounter with a violent intruder on Mother's Day in 2013. This episode underscores the profound ripple effects that crime can have on victims and their loved ones, showcasing resilience and the journey towards healing.

Background: A Peaceful Life Disrupted

In 2013, Tennyson Jacobson, a 26-year-old new mother, and her husband, Kyle, owned a CrossFit gym in the Pacific Northwest. They were in the process of building a new home and enjoying a seemingly idyllic life. Tennyson recounts:

“[03:04] Hannah Smith: ...we owned a CrossFit gym. So I managed the gym, was a new mom, and then my husband is a firefighter. So, yeah, that was, that was life at the time.”

Their routine involved competitive CrossFit training, with Kyle serving as the captain of their CrossFit team, aiming for the prestigious CrossFit Games.

The Attack: Mother's Day Terror

Mother's Day took a nightmarish turn when an unknown man targeted Tennyson and her family. The attack occurred shortly after their planned dinner outing. Tennyson describes the terrifying encounter:

“[09:00] Hannah Smith: ...he pressed his body into me and bends me over the couch...”

The intruder, estimated to be over six feet tall and weighing around 215 pounds, forcefully entered their home. Despite their secure and secluded location, the man barged in, overwhelming Tennyson with his sheer intensity and malevolent presence. He demanded money, leading to a tense and frightening ordeal where Tennyson had to fight for her and her family's lives.

The Confrontation and Self-Defense

As the intruder aggressively demanded money, Tennyson realized the severity of the situation. She recounted:

“[10:09] Hannah Smith: ...I had $41 of cash, which I never have cash in my wallet. And so I had this slight sense of relief...”

Despite her attempts to comply, the situation escalated when the intruder struck her, causing a sprained ankle. This prompted a physical confrontation where both Tennyson and Kyle defended themselves. The struggle culminated in Tennyson using a baseball bat to incapacitate the attacker, ultimately leading to his demise.

“[26:03] Hannah Smith: ...I grabbed a can of wasp spray... and then I started stabbing him...”

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

Following the attack, the family's home became a crime scene. Law enforcement arrived, and it was swiftly determined that Tennyson and Kyle acted in self-defense. The police identified the intruder as Ken Boonstra, a 48-year-old man with a troubled past, including a bitter divorce and evident mental health issues.

“[37:03] Hannah Smith: ...he had a YouTube channel which since has been taken down that was just misogynistic rants...”

Investigations revealed that Boonstra had harbored deep-seated animosity towards women, possibly catalyzed by personal grievances and a subsequent psychotic break.

Impact on Life and Healing

The traumatic event had a lasting impact on Tennyson and Kyle's lives. They relocated temporarily to Kyle's parents' home, installing advanced security measures and seeking professional help to cope with their PTSD. Tennyson shared her ongoing struggles:

“[46:41] Hannah Smith: ...five years after the event, I thought I was doing really well. And then I was interviewed on Tony Blauer's podcast...”

Through therapies like exposure therapy and building a support system, both began the arduous journey of healing. Their shared experience strengthened their bond, allowing them to support each other through the darkest times.

Tennyson’s Book: "The Mother of All Days"

Inspired by her experiences, Tennyson authored a book titled "The Mother of All Days." She explains her motivation:

“[51:03] Hannah Smith: ...I need to share my story... to share our story in my words and then the path after and hope that whoever is reading it can find themselves in their own way.”

The book serves as both a personal recount of the traumatic event and a guide for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing resilience and self-discovery.

Conclusion

"The Mother’s Day Attack" is a poignant exploration of survival, the enduring effects of trauma, and the strength found in unity. Tennyson and Kyle's story not only sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by victims of violent crimes but also celebrates their courage and determination to rebuild their lives.

Notable Quotes

• Hannah Smith:
  “[03:04] ...we owned a CrossFit gym. So I managed the gym, was a new mom, and then my husband is a firefighter. So, yeah, that was, that was life at the time.”

• Hannah Smith:
  “[10:09] ...I had $41 of cash, which I never have cash in my wallet. And so I had this slight sense of relief...”

• Hannah Smith:
  “[26:03] ...I grabbed a can of wasp spray... and then I started stabbing him...”

• Hannah Smith:
  “[51:03] ...I need to share my story... to share our story in my words and then the path after and hope that whoever is reading it can find themselves in their own way.”

This episode of The Knife: A True Crime Podcast masterfully combines first-person storytelling with in-depth interviews, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of both the immediate trauma and the long-term healing process that follows such a life-altering event.