This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me: Episode Summary – "The Hunt Begins"

Introduction

In the gripping premiere episode of This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me, hosted by Mike Boudet and produced by Michael Stabile of Sword and Scale, listeners are introduced to the harrowing true crime story of Tina Lohman. At 77 years old, Tina's life takes a devastating turn on the night of November 9, 2021, when she becomes the victim of a brutal crime that not only shatters her family but also leaves an entire town in shock.

The Night of the Attack

The episode delves into the events leading up to Tina's attack, painting a vivid picture of the circumstances that unfolded on that fateful night.

• Tina's Encounter:

  • Tina was stranded on the side of the road in Quincy, Illinois, when two criminals approached her. According to Tina, she was “crying that she'd been raped. Bleeding from her body” (00:18).

• David Joseph’s Account:

  • David Joseph, a gas station attendant in Hannibal, Missouri, plays a crucial role in the investigation. On the evening of the attack, David observed suspicious activity at the Phillips 66 gas station where he worked.
  • Detective interrogations reveal that two individuals arrived in a white Toyota Avalon and entered the gas station (00:35). David noticed one of the individuals carrying a “Ziploc bag of money” (04:21), which raised his concerns.

Family’s Reaction

As the horrifying events unfolded, Tina's family in Quincy received distressing news that would forever change their lives.

• Ilse Terrell's Experience:

  • Ilse, Tina’s daughter, recounts receiving an alarming phone call from her mother’s husband, explaining that Tina had been raped (05:19). The sight of sheriff trucks and crime tape at Tina’s home obliterated any remaining disbelief (08:01).

• Carly’s Shock:

  • Tina's granddaughter, Carly, describes her initial disbelief upon hearing about the attack, followed by overwhelming emotion as the reality set in (05:52). She shares, “My reaction was, at first, shock and almost. Are you sure? Are you confused?” (06:55).

The Assault

The podcast provides a chilling account of the assault Tina endured, highlighting her resilience and quick thinking under extreme duress.

• Description of Attackers:

  • Tina vividly describes her attackers, referring to the male perpetrator as looking “like a small leprechaun” with “red hair and this scraggly beard” (22:37). She characterizes his intelligence as lacking, likening him to a “country bumpkin leprechaun”.
  • The female accomplice is described as a “heavier set black girl” who appeared to be under the influence, exhibiting “hot and cold” behavior (23:18).

• The Assault Details:

  • The attackers forcefully enter Tina’s home, using a railroad spike-turned-knife to threaten her life (12:19). Tina describes how they forced her into sexual acts, threatening to kill her if she didn't comply (14:00).
  • In an attempt to obscure evidence, the male attacker sprays Tina with carpet cleaner both internally and externally before committing acts of sexual violence (14:30).

Tina’s Courageous Plan

Faced with imminent danger, Tina devises a plan to survive by manipulating her attackers.

• The Safe Strategy:
  • Tina informs her captors about a safe in her basement, providing them with an incorrect combination since only her husband knew the actual code (18:21). This deception leads the attackers to believe that the safe is wired to the police, causing them to panic and flee (19:30), ultimately saving Tina's life.

Investigation and Capture of the Perpetrators

The episode highlights the swift and meticulous work of law enforcement in bringing Tina’s attackers to justice.

• David Joseph’s Surveillance Footage:
  • David’s observations and the gas station’s video surveillance play a pivotal role. He identifies the attackers’ vehicle and their actions on the night of the crime (03:00).
  • Tina’s detailed descriptions enable detectives to create accurate profiles of the suspects, leading to their quick identification and arrest by U.S. Marshals in Springfield, Missouri, the following day (24:12).

Aftermath and Pursuit of Justice

While the perpetrators are apprehended swiftly, the episode reveals the challenges Tina and her family face within the justice system.

• Hospitalization and Interrogations:

  • Tina is taken to the hospital for a sexual assault examination and undergoes intense questioning by detectives (08:44). Family members, including Carly, witness the emotional toll the ordeal takes on Tina and her loved ones (22:00).

• Legal Hurdles:

  • Despite the clear evidence and identification of the criminals, the episode hints at impending obstacles in the prosecution’s case, suggesting systemic failures that threaten to derail justice for Tina Lohman (17:52).

Emotional Toll on the Family

The personal accounts from Ilse and Carly underscore the profound emotional impact of the assault on Tina’s family.

• Ilse’s Struggle:

  • Ilse expresses the shock and sorrow of witnessing her mother’s suffering, recalling Tina’s feelings of helplessness and fear (07:38).

• Carly’s Perspective:

  • Carly reflects on the disbelief and subsequent emotional turmoil she experienced, emphasizing Tina’s strength and intelligence in surviving the attack (15:23).

Conclusion

As the first episode concludes, This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me leaves listeners on a cliffhanger, revealing that despite the attackers' apprehension, the path to justice for Tina and her family is fraught with challenges. The episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the systemic issues and personal resilience that define Tina Lohman’s pursuit of justice in the episodes to come.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Boudet:

  • “This doesn't happen to people like us, right?” (06:31)
  • “That’s not who we are. That’s not what Quincy is. That’s not what Adams County is.” (17:12)

• Carly:

  • “She was so smart. I just... I commend her on this next part because I would have never thought to say this.” (18:21)
  • “That kind of got them in a panic to where they were now, in a hurry to get out of there because they thought that the cops were on their way.” (20:17)

• David Joseph:

  • “What happened to her that night was something that doesn't happen in Adams County.” (17:12)
  • “He forced her into the passenger seat as they were driving.” (27:14)

Looking Forward

The episode promises that the ensuing story will delve deeper into the legal battles and societal implications surrounding Tina Lohman’s case, emphasizing that the fight for justice is far from over.

Note: Timestamps in brackets (e.g., 00:18) correspond to the points within the transcript where the quotes are taken. They serve as references for the location of each quote within the episode.