This Doesn’t Happen to People Like Me – Episode 9: A Verdict Looms
Introduction
In the penultimate episode of the gripping ten-part true crime series, This Doesn’t Happen to People Like Me, hosted by Mike Boudet of Sword and Scale, listeners are taken deep into the heart of the courtroom drama surrounding the trial of Bradley Yon. This episode, titled "A Verdict Looms," chronicles the final days of the trial, showcasing the unraveling of Yon’s defense, the steadfast prosecution, and the emotional toll on Tina Loman’s family. As the jury deliberates, the episode builds anticipation toward the impending verdict that could finally deliver justice for Tina.
Trial Developments
By mid-July 2023, the trial of Bradley Yon was reaching its climax. The prosecution had rested their case, presenting a strong and compelling narrative against Yon. In contrast, Yon’s self-representation as his own defense attorney was proving to be disastrous. His opening statements were described as “mostly incoherent and nonsensical,” failing to challenge the prosecution effectively.
Mike Boudet [04:21]: “Bradley’s defense was pretty simple to understand. Everyone was lying except for him. He repeatedly suggested that there was a conspiracy against him, but almost every time he tried making this suggestion, it backfired on him.”
The courtroom atmosphere was tense as Yon struggled to follow proper legal procedures, often clashing with the court’s expectations and the prosecution’s evidence.
Defense Strategy
Yon’s defense strategy primarily revolved around discrediting the prosecution’s case rather than presenting a coherent alternative narrative. He attempted to undermine the credibility of law enforcement and witnesses, often accusing them of deceit and conspiracy.
Bradley Yawn [05:06]: “You were in the garage, correct?”
Josh Jones [05:15]: “No.”
Yon’s inability to subpoena his own witnesses properly further weakened his defense. His approach of calling investigators liars and attempting to introduce inadmissible evidence only served to erode his credibility with both the judge and the jury.
Legal Analyst [11:17]: “If you commit a crime, don't represent yourself. There’s a reason why lawyers go to school for three years and pass the bar.”
Prosecution Arguments
Prosecutor Josh Jones meticulously outlined the horrific nature of the crime committed against Tina Loman, emphasizing the brutality and randomness of the attack. He presented a clear and structured case, highlighting the overwhelming evidence against Yon, including DNA, fingerprints, and surveillance footage.
Josh Jones [26:28]: “What the defendant did to Tina was random. It was violent. It was horrific. It was a nightmare. It was something that no 77-year-old grandmother should ever have to experience.”
Jones's closing argument was a powerful appeal to the jury’s sense of justice, urging them to hold Yon accountable for his heinous actions.
Witness Testimonies
The trial featured various testimonies that painted a vivid picture of the crime and its aftermath. Tina’s husband, Tim Schmidt, provided critical testimony about the 911 call made during the attack, which Yon later attempted to discredit.
Bradley Yawn [07:28]: “Mr. Schmidt, do you recollect what you stated in that phone call to the 911 operator?”
Tim Schmidt [07:36]: “I told them my wife had been raped.”
Yon’s attempt to question the validity of the 911 call was met with strong objections from the prosecution, highlighting his desperation to find any flaw in the prosecution’s case.
Closing Arguments
As the trial approached its end, both the prosecution and Yon delivered their final statements. Prosecutor Jones recapped the evidence and the suffering endured by Tina, passionately urging the jury to return guilty verdicts on all counts.
Josh Jones [28:08]: “Find that man guilty of what he did.”
Conversely, Yon’s closing argument was chaotic and filled with accusations of conspiracy, failing to present any substantive defense.
Bradley Yawn [33:15]: “The state has presented a case to you formed out of mostly false accusations.”
Legal Analyst [38:48]: “Mr. Yawn had no coherent theory of his side of the case. There was no evidence to support what he said.”
Yon's emotional yet unfocused plea to the jury did little to sway their perception, as both the prosecution and legal analysts criticized his lack of coherence and preparation.
Jury Deliberation
With both sides having presented their final arguments, the jury retreated to deliberate. Tina’s family and the prosecution remained hopeful due to the overwhelming evidence against Yon. However, as hours passed without a verdict, anxiety and uncertainty mounted.
Tina Loman’s Daughter [43:33]: “As time ticked by with no word from the jury, Tina's family and prosecutors became more and more concerned that they would soon be hearing those two awful words. Not guilty.”
Legal analysts noted the high-pressure environment jurors face, acknowledging the weight of the decision they had to make.
Legal Analyst [43:33]: “When you are leaving it up to 12 people off the street to decide whether or not somebody's guilty or not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high burden, you're scared.”
Final Reflections
As the episode concludes, listeners are left on the edge of their seats awaiting the jury's decision. The emotional testimonies, combined with Yon’s faltering defense, set the stage for a dramatic conclusion in the final episode.
Mike Boudet [44:20]: “As time ticked by with no word from the jury, Tina's family and prosecutors became more and more concerned that they would soon be hearing those two awful words. Not guilty.”
Conclusion
Episode 9, "A Verdict Looms," masterfully captures the tension and drama of Bradley Yon's trial. Through detailed courtroom interactions, heartfelt family testimonies, and expert legal analysis, the episode builds a compelling narrative toward the impending verdict. Tina Loman’s family remains hopeful for justice, while Yon’s ineffective defense highlights the challenges of self-representation in complex criminal cases. As the series edges toward its finale, listeners are left anticipating the resolution of this harrowing true crime story.