Episode 6: The Courtroom Circus

Release Date: March 17, 2025
Podcast: This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me by Sword and Scale

Introduction

In Episode 6, titled "The Courtroom Circus," the narrative delves deep into the tumultuous legal proceedings surrounding the brutal crime committed against Tina Lohman. This episode captures the relentless pursuit of justice by Tina's family and the prosecutors, juxtaposed against the chaotic courtroom antics of the defendant, Bradley Yawn. As the trial progresses, the episode highlights the systemic challenges and the emotional toll on all parties involved.

Background of the Case

Tina Lohman, a 77-year-old grandmother, was brutally attacked and raped by Bradley Yawn and his accomplice, Karen Blackledge, in December 2021. Tina's subsequent death from heart failure a month after the attack led her family and the community to unequivocally believe that Yawn and Blackledge were responsible for her untimely demise.

Key Points:

• Victim: Tina Lohman, 77, in good health prior to the attack.
• Perpetrators: Bradley Yawn and Karen Blackledge.
• Charges: Initially, home invasion and residential burglary; murder charges were not filed.
• Prosecutors' Dilemma: Despite clear moral culpability, proving first-degree murder was legally challenging.

Notable Quote:

Josh Jones: "Did Bradley Yawn cause her death? Absolutely. But legally proving that would have been exceptionally difficult, if not impossible."
(00:16)

Charges and Plea Deal for Karen Blackledge

Karen Blackledge, a 33-year-old mother with a history of drug-related offenses and theft, was the first to face trial. Tina's family harbored little empathy towards her due to her lack of remorse and the role she played in the crime.

Key Points:

• Plea Agreement: Blackledge pleaded guilty to one count of home invasion and one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault.
• Sentence: She received a 40-year sentence with eligibility for parole after serving 85% for sexual assault and 50% for home invasion.
• Family's Sentiment: While relieved to avoid a second trial, Tina's family felt the sentence was insufficient.

Notable Quotes:

Tina's Family Member: "I feel like she did not get enough time for what she did... For me, 40 years wasn't enough."
(06:33)

Laura Keck: "Under the law, even though Karen Blackledge is guilty as an accomplice of the sexual assaults, it is Bradley Yawn's actual physical acts that were the sexual assault."
(07:06)

Bradley Yawn's Behavior in Court

Bradley Yawn's decision to represent himself turned the legal proceedings into a chaotic spectacle. His antics not only frustrated the prosecution and Tina's family but also exposed systemic vulnerabilities in the judicial process.

Key Points:

• Self-Representation: Yawn fired his public defender to represent himself, initiating a series of disruptive behaviors.
• Courtroom Disruptions: Frequent objections, use of profanity, false accusations, and inappropriate language.
• Security Issues: Yawn's actions led to prolonged hearings, property damage within the jail, and a ban on certain family members from attending proceedings.

Notable Quotes:

Bradley Yawn: "Young for granting your motion. Granting your motion for a seat charger to be provided by your family to you at the..."
(35:09)

David Adam: "Bradley always felt like he could do better, that he was smarter than the attorney he had... That's when things really kind of started to spiral out of control."
(10:37)

Family's Reaction and Emotional Toll

Tina's family endured immense emotional strain as they witnessed Yawn's relentless attempts to undermine the case, combined with his personal attacks and the endless legal delays.

Key Points:

• Emotional Strain: Family members experienced frustration, embarrassment, and helplessness.
• Victim-Blaming: Yawn's persistent claims that Tina was lying about the assault intensified the family's anguish.
• Perceived Injustice: The family's hope for justice was continually thwarted by Yawn's manipulative tactics.

Notable Quotes:

Tina's Family Member: "He kept stating his innocence, saying that he would never do something like that... It's indescribable."
(31:10)

Tina's Family Member: "He did whatever he wanted to do... To call my grandma a liar was the most frustrating part."
(24:26)

Prosecutors' Perspective and Challenges

Prosecutors Josh Jones and Laura Keck faced the Herculean task of managing Yawn's disruptive court behavior while striving to secure a conviction based on the overwhelming evidence against him.

Key Points:

• Legal Strategy: Despite moral certainty, prosecutors were constrained by the need for legally admissible evidence.
• Yawn's Tactics: His endless motions and conspiracy theories posed significant hurdles in moving the case forward.
• Professional Impact: The case of Bradley Yawn was cited as one of the most challenging in Josh Jones's 23-year career.

Notable Quotes:

Laura Keck: "Our job is to seek justice for what we believe we can actually prove."
(02:20)

Josh Jones: "Bradley Yawn is the least favorite person I dealt with in 23 years."
(40:48)

Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Conclusion

As the trial was on the brink of commencing, Yawn's last-minute decision to drop self-representation and request a public defender resulted in an indefinite delay. This move underscored the persistent challenges in securing timely justice and left Tina's family grappling with uncertainty.

Key Points:

• Final Delay: Just as the trial was about to begin, Yawn's request for legal representation pushed the proceedings back indefinitely.
• Justice Unfulfilled: The family's hope for a swift resolution was dashed, highlighting potential systemic flaws that allow defendants to exploit procedural rights at the expense of victims' closure.

Notable Quotes:

Josh Jones: "They have to make sure that the defendant's constitutional rights are protected."
(42:49)

Tina's Family Member: "It's been a terrible 19 months... every hearing is just awful."
(42:53)

Mike Boudet: "Justice for Tina Lohman may never come."
(41:17)

Conclusion

Episode 6, "The Courtroom Circus," provides a poignant exploration of the intersection between legal rights and the pursuit of justice. Through Tina Lohman's tragic story, the episode emphasizes the emotional devastation inflicted on victims' families and the systemic obstacles that can impede the quest for accountability. Bradley Yawn's disruptive courtroom behavior serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by prosecutors and the importance of steadfast legal representation in the face of adversity.

This detailed summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode 6 for those who haven't listened, capturing the essence of the discussions, key moments, and emotional undertones that define this true crime narrative.