This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
Episode 7: The Trial Begins
Release Date: March 21, 2025

Introduction to the Trial

In Episode 7, titled "The Trial Begins," the true crime series dives into the highly anticipated courtroom battle between prosecutors and Bradley Yawn, the defendant accused of the brutal assault and eventual death of 77-year-old Tina Loman. After nearly two years of relentless delays, the trial finally commences in Adams County, Illinois, bringing a sense of cautious optimism to Tina's grieving family and the prosecution team.

Bradley Yawn's Self-Representation and Legal Maneuvers

Bradley Yawn’s decision to represent himself, known as proceeding pro se, becomes a central theme leading up to the trial. From the outset, Yawn employs a series of tactics aimed at delaying the proceedings:

• Initial Self-Representation:
  Josh Jones notes, "When Bradley decided that he was going to defend himself, I guess I could say that's kind of when the circus came to town again" (00:10).

• Relentless Delays:
  Yawn repeatedly files frivolous motions and makes outlandish claims to stall the process. Prosecutor Laura Keck explains, "Prosecutors were ready to try this case, I think at least twice when it was continued because of Mr. Yan's antics" (03:47).

• Changing Representation:
  Yawn oscillates between wanting a public defender and representing himself, causing significant delays. Judge Thompson remarks on Yawn’s pattern: "Here we are a month before trial is supposed to start. Once again, the defendant is doing the same thing" (07:00).

These maneuvers not only frustrate the prosecution but also exacerbate the anguish of Tina's family, who feel justice is continually slipping away.

Impact on Tina's Family

The incessant delays take a heavy toll on Tina's family:

• Emotional Strain:
  A family member shares, "We feel like we've been not being able to heal" (05:47), highlighting the deep emotional scars left by the prolonged legal battle.

• Policy and Process Frustration:
  While understanding the importance of due process, the family grapples with the reality that the system's protections for defendants can inadvertently prolong their suffering.

Opening Statements and Initial Evidence Presentation

With the trial finally underway in mid-July 2023, Prosecutor Laura Keck delivers a powerful opening statement, detailing the harrowing events of November 9, 2021:

• Prosecutor's Opening:
  "She was kidnapped by the defendant...the defendant wanted more from this 77-year-old great grandmother" (10:30), painting a vivid picture of the brutality inflicted upon Tina.

• Key Evidence Introduced:

  • Photographic Evidence:
    Images of Tina’s mouth and throat, showing chemical burns from carpet cleaner, are presented to the jury.

  • Physical Evidence:
    Shoe prints matching Yawn’s Reebok shoes and fingerprints found on the carpet cleaner can link him directly to the crime scene.

• Forensic Testimony:
  The hospital nurse's testimony (16:10) provides crucial insights into Tina’s physical and emotional state post-assault, reinforcing the severity of the attack.

Presentation of Evidence

The prosecution meticulously builds their case through various forms of evidence:

• Forensic Evidence:
  Prosecutor Laura Keck explains, "There is no denying that their case was solid" (28:17), emphasizing the strength of the forensic links between Yawn and the crime.

• Surveillance Footage:
  Surveillance video from a gas station in Hannibal, Missouri, captures Yawn driving Tina’s stolen car mere hours after the assault, further corroborating his involvement.

• Stolen Property:
  Items such as Tina’s purse, jewelry, and voter ID were found in Yawn’s possession, directly tying him to the crime (22:14).

Impact of the Trial on the Victim’s Family

The trial is a re-traumatizing experience for Tina’s family:

• Witnessing the Horrors:
  Tina's granddaughter, Carly, recounts the distress of seeing graphic evidence presented in court, stating, "It was a shocking visual for everyone" (30:33).

• Emotional Resilience:
  Despite the pain, the family finds strength in Tina's courage, with a family member reflecting, "She was so brave... I channeled her strength" (31:24).

Bradley Yawn’s Defense

As the prosecution rests their case, the focus shifts to Yawn’s unpredictable defense strategy:

• Unpredictable Tactics:
  Laura Keck admits, "There is no expecting anything with Bradley on. You just do not know which direction he's going to turn" (33:32), highlighting the uncertainty his self-representation introduces.

• Final Defense Presentation:
  On the third day, Yawn’s defense begins, characterized by erratic behavior and unsophisticated objections. His approach is described as a "complete shitshow," leaving observers appalled by his tactics (34:00).

Key Quotes and Testimonies

Throughout the episode, several notable quotes underscore the tension and gravity of the trial:

• Prosecutor Laura Keck (02:42): "They were very mad," expressing the frustration with continual delays.

• Tina's Family Member (05:38): "It's hard being on the victim side," illustrating the emotional toll on those left behind.

• Judge Thompson (19:58): "If you have it available, you can use that in cross examination," emphasizing the importance of complete evidence.

• Bradley Yawn (34:40): "I once heard that trials are based on persuasion," revealing his misunderstanding of legal proceedings.

Conclusion and Next Steps

By the end of the episode, the prosecution has laid a comprehensive and compelling case against Bradley Yawn, utilizing a multitude of evidence to establish his culpability. With the defense poised to counter, the stage is set for dramatic courtroom confrontations in subsequent episodes. Tina's family, prosecutors, and the community await the unfolding of a trial that promises to deliver justice, albeit through a tumultuous and emotionally charged process.

Next time on "This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me," listeners will witness the full spectacle of Bradley Yawn’s defense strategy and its impact on the trial's outcome.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Jones (00:10): "When Bradley decided that he was going to defend himself, I guess I could say that's kind of when the circus came to town again."

• Prosecutor Laura Keck (03:47): "Once again, the judge made it clear to him that if he fired the public defender, he wasn't going to allow him to ask for an attorney the day of trial again."

• Judge Thompson (07:00): "Motion continues."

• Prosecutor Jur Jones (09:28): "When you think that it was going to go down one direction, he would go the other direction."

• Bradley Yawn (34:40): "I once heard that trials are based on persuasion. Who has the best persuasion in their words? Who can be persuaded by the persuadee?"

For more information and to subscribe for future updates, visit swordandscale.com.