This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me: Episode Summary - "Nightmare in Quincy"

Podcast Title: This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
Host/Author: Sword and Scale
Episode: Nightmare in Quincy
Release Date: March 3, 2025

Introduction

The episode "Nightmare in Quincy" delves into the harrowing true crime story of Tina Loman, a 77-year-old grandmother whose life was tragically shattered by a brutal assault. Hosted by Mike Boudet and produced by the creators of Sword and Scale, the episode unravels the investigation, the pursuit of justice, and the profound impact on Tina's family and the Quincy community.

Tina Loman: A Pillar of Family and Community

Tina Loman was a beloved matriarch in Quincy, Illinois. At 77, she was known for her generosity, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to her family. Tina ran a successful business alongside her husband and was the proud mother of four children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Notable Quotes:

• Carly Hyland (Granddaughter):
  "[02:10] 'December 12, 2021. It was a Sunday evening, it's all a blur. My aunt Ilsa called me and she was very, very short and frantic and she just said get to the hospital.'"

• Ilsa Terrell (Daughter):
  "[03:05] 'My mom's husband called me and told me that my mom was headed to the hospital... They took me to the family waiting room and handed me her jewelry and said that it will be sometime.'”

Tina's deep love for her family was evident in the way her children and grandchildren described her. Carly emphasized Tina's role as a supportive and loving grandmother, while Ilsa highlighted Tina's joyful and caring nature.

The Tragic Assault

On the evening of November 9, 2021, Tina Loman's life took a devastating turn. While driving home from work, Tina encountered a perilous situation that would forever alter her family's lives.

Events Leading Up to the Assault:

• Car Trouble:
  "On her way home that evening, Tina Loman crossed paths with a monster."
  "[20:14] "My mom was leaving work... she was having issues with her headlights."
  Tina pulled over on a secluded road near Cook's Lane due to malfunctioning headlights and the onset of dusk and rain.

• Encounter with the Perpetrator:
  A man in a truck stopped to offer assistance with Tina's headlights. Initially, Tina believed he was there to help, especially after seeing another individual in the passenger seat.

Notable Quotes:

• Carly Hyland:
  "[22:37] 'She initially felt that he was there to help her with whatever situation she was having.'"

• Sergeant Lohmeyer (Police Interview):
  "[21:13] 'She was on her way home. It was evening time...'"

Despite Tina's hope that the man was genuinely there to help, the situation quickly deteriorated, leading to a violent assault that left her physically and emotionally scarred.

Immediate Aftermath and Family's Shock

The assault left Tina in critical condition, leading to her hospitalization on December 12, 2021. Her family, believing she was fighting a sudden heart failure despite her previously good health, was blindsided by the devastating news.

Impact on the Family:

• Carly Hyland:
  "[05:32] 'I became physically sick. How could you have done that to my grandma?'"

• Ilsa Terrell:
  "[08:02] 'I don't think anything can prepare you for what we went through...'"

The family's grief was compounded by the realization that Tina's sudden heart failure was a direct result of the traumatic assault she endured. Their pursuit of justice became a central theme, highlighting the challenges and emotional toll of seeking accountability for such a heinous crime.

Community Response: Quincy, Illinois

Quincy, a small city with a population of around 40,000, is portrayed as a tight-knit and safe community. The local news outlet, Muddy River News, extensively covered the Tina Loman case, making it a well-known incident within the community.

Insights from Local Perspective:

• David Adam (Editor, Muddy River News):
  "[10:20] 'The best way that I think I can describe Quincy, it has everything a big city has...'"
  "[24:52] 'I believe that's kind of the way, you know, Quincy isn't Mayberry, but it's definitely a town...'"

David Adam's coverage provided the community with in-depth information about the case, fostering a collective awareness and concern. Despite the fear and shock, many residents expressed continued confidence in Quincy as a safe place, struggling to reconcile the brutal assault with their perception of the city.

The Long Road to Justice

Tina's family embarked on a relentless quest to hold the perpetrators accountable. However, the path to justice proved to be arduous and fraught with obstacles, reflecting broader systemic failures highlighted in the episode.

Emotional Toll:

• Carly Hyland:
  "[08:02] 'I think we're still not even over it. I don't know if we ever will be.'"

The family's determination to seek justice underscores the personal battles faced by victims' families in the aftermath of violent crimes. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated impacts such events have on loved ones and communities.

Conclusion

"Nightmare in Quincy" is a compelling episode that not only recounts the tragic assault of Tina Loman but also paints a vivid picture of her life, the strength of her family, and the reverberating effects of her loss on the Quincy community. Through personal testimonials and detailed coverage, the episode sheds light on the dark realities that can shatter even the most tightly-knit circles, reminding listeners that unimaginable tragedies can occur to anyone, regardless of their perceived safety or standing.

End of Summary