This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me: Episode Summary - "A Fragile Justice"
Introduction to the Case
In the gripping tenth episode of the true crime series This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me, titled "A Fragile Justice," host Mike Boudet delves deep into the harrowing ordeal of Tina Lohman, a 77-year-old grandmother whose life was shattered by a brutal crime. The episode examines not only the heinous attack but also the subsequent investigation, the relentless quest for justice, and the profound impact on Tina's family and the local community.
The Attack on Tina Lohman
On November 9, 2021, Tina Lohman became the victim of a vicious home invasion and sexual assault. As Tina was returning home, she encountered two assailants who hijacked her white Toyota Avalon. According to assistant State's Attorney Josh Jones, “She was on the side of the road and she was like, you know, what's going to happen to me? You never really think that, that it's going to be a nightmare” (03:26).
The attackers forcefully took Tina from her car, subjecting her to unimaginable violence. Laura Keck, another Assistant State's Attorney, detailed the brutality of the assault: “At one time the man, the woman or both of them had a knife and was threatening her with the knife that she was going to be killed” (05:40). Tina endured both physical and psychological torment, including being sprayed with carpet cleaner and being sexually assaulted multiple times.
Immediate Aftermath and Tina's Recovery
After the attack, Tina was found by police, sitting on the floor of her home, visibly distressed and injured. Upon examination at the hospital, her injuries were severe: “She had contusions on her legs and on her arms and on her hands. She had chemical burns... tearing and bleeding in her vaginal area” (06:52). Despite her critical condition, Tina provided crucial descriptions of her attackers, which became instrumental in the subsequent investigation.
Investigation and Pursuit of the Attackers
Detectives Josh Jones and Laura Keck spearheaded the investigation with decades of prosecutorial experience. Utilizing Tina’s description and surveillance footage from a gas station in Hannibal, Missouri, they swiftly identified the perpetrators. As Josh Jones explained, “We were able to get the video from that gas station showing the man and the woman coming into the gas station leaving Tina Lohman's car” (08:04). The collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service enabled the rapid apprehension of the suspects, Bradley Yawn and Karen Blackledge, within a day of the attack.
Arrest and Charging of the Criminals
Bradley Yawn, a 34-year-old with a long history of criminal offenses, and Karen Blackledge were arrested and brought to the Adams County Courthouse. During their first court appearance, the judge set record-breaking bond amounts: $5 million for Karen and $15 million for Bradley (26:59). The authorities charged them with multiple serious offenses, including home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, vehicular hijacking, residential burglary, and sexual assault.
Tina's Struggle and Family Support
Tina's family stood as her pillar of strength during this tumultuous time. Her daughters, Heidi and Ilsa, along with her granddaughter Carly, provided unwavering support. Heidi recounted her first visit to Tina post-attack: “She put on makeup. She was definitely more put together than all of us combined. But I did see bruising on her arms” (10:14). Despite her trauma, Tina remained determined to maintain a semblance of normalcy, preparing for holidays and seeking to protect her family from the graphic details of her ordeal.
The Tragic Death of Tina Lohman
Tragedy struck on December 12, 2021, when Tina Lohman passed away, just weeks before the holiday season. Laura Keck revealed the devastating news: “tina Loman is dead” (27:48). Tina's death left her family shattered and posed significant challenges for the prosecution, as the primary victim and witness was no longer available to testify.
Implications for the Prosecution's Case
Tina's untimely death complicated the legal proceedings against Bradley Yawn and Karen Blackledge. Without Tina's testimony, proving the full extent of the crimes became exceedingly difficult. Josh Jones acknowledged the severity of the situation: “Bradley Yawn and Karen Blackledge were charged with home invasion and residential burglary charges, but they were not charged with murder” (29:20). Although Bradley was responsible for Tina's death, establishing legal culpability for murder was extraordinarily challenging without her testimony.
Reflections from Tina's Family and Prosecutors
Heidi expressed deep frustration over Tina's death, stating, “It makes me so mad. I just firmly believe she was not done here” (29:15). Carly, Tina's granddaughter, underscored the emotional toll: “Ultimately, I know that they did murder my mother” (29:42). Meanwhile, prosecutors like Laura Keck maintained a professional stance, focusing on the available evidence to seek justice for Tina and her family despite the heartbreaking loss.
Conclusion
"A Fragile Justice" paints a poignant picture of the ripple effects of violent crime, highlighting both the resilience of Tina Lohman's family and the systemic challenges faced in the pursuit of justice. The episode underscores the profound impact such crimes have on victims and their loved ones, and the often unpredictable nature of the legal process. As the series progresses, listeners are left to grapple with the complexities of justice and the enduring quest for closure in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.