Naman Shrestha
In 2010, shockwaves were sent across the entire community of a small Ohio town when a single mother named Tina Herrmann, her son, Kody Maynard, and a neighbor named Stephanie Sprang were found dead. The investigation soon led the authorities to the perpetrator and Tina’s surviving daughter, Sarah Maynard. All the intricate details about the case and the investigation that ensued are covered in ‘The Basement: A Vanishing in Apple Valley,’ which also features insightful interviews with the victims’ loved ones and the officials linked to the investigation.
Tina Herrmann Was a Doting Mother to Kody and Sarah Maynard
The beloved daughter of Raymond and Barbara Herrmann, Tina Rose B. Herrmann came into this world on February 13, 1978, in Ohio. She was raised in a loving environment, supported by her brothers, Eric, William, and Jason Herrmann. She grew into a compassionate, spirited, and kindhearted woman who found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. Her mere presence was enough to warm the hearts of all who knew her, and she was deeply cherished by her family and friends. Later in life, Tina met Larry Maynard, and the two eventually fell in love. One thing led to another, and the two got pregnant. On September 16, 1999, the pair welcomed a son they named Kody Alexander Maynard.
Tina was a doting mother whose life revolved around her kids — son, Kody, and daughter, Sarah Maynard. On the professional front, she was employed at Dairy Queen in Mount Vernon. She relished watching blossoming sunflowers and took great pride in her collection of dolphins. A young boy with a gentle spirit, Kody was a fifth-grade student at East Knox Elementary School. The 11-year-old was quite passionate about sports and felt supremely happy while playing baseball. In her downtime, Tina enjoyed spending time with her friends. One such person who meant a great deal to her was Stephanie Sprang, her neighbor and dear friend.
Stephanie Sprang Was a Dedicated Mother and Close Friend of Her Neighbor, Tina
Born on November 1, 1969, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Stephanie Lynn Thompson Sprang grew up surrounded by the immense love and care of her parents, Stephen Thompson and Patricia (Dye) Collins, as well as her siblings. Stephanie hailed from a blended family, which comprised her parents, brother Shane Thompson, sister Sherry Baxter, as well as stepbrothers Justin Williams and Matthew Carpenter, and step-sister Carissa Lewis. She was an athletic individual growing up and participated in cross-country and track at Mount Vernon High School, from which she graduated in 1987.
Stephanie was devoted to and grateful for her children, Michael Kupiec, Tricia Kupiec, and Seth Cochren. The 41-year-old was full of life, and her free-spirited energy made every moment brighter and fun. From reunions, parties, and holiday celebrations to family gatherings for big football games like Ohio State vs. Michigan, Stephanie took great pleasure in creating unforgettable memories with her family and friends, never missing a chance to connect, share stories, and laugh with those she loved. Stephanie and Tina shared a tight friendship and adored each other’s company.
Tina, Kody, and Stephanie’s Remains Were Found Days After Their Disappearance
Unfortunately, on November 10, 2010, Stephanie and Tina, along with the latter’s son and daughter, suddenly went missing from Tina’s residence in Howard. Naturally, their respective families became concerned and contacted the police, who rushed to the area and began investigating the matter swiftly. A search was launched to look for the four individuals and return them to safety. After four days of tracing evidence and clues, the police located Sarah, who had been kidnapped, and rescued her from captivity. However, her 32-year-old mother, brother Kody, and Stephanie were nowhere to be found until a few days later, a confession from the killer led the police to the location of their remains in a tree. The cause of death of the triple homicide was determined to be multiple stab wounds.
Tina, Kody, and Stephanie’s Killer Held Sarah Maynard Captive For Four Days
During the investigation, the detectives traced back the tarp and garbage bags found at the crime scene to a local Walmart. Following up on that clue, they reviewed the store’s security footage and spotted a man purchasing the same items and then leaving the premises in his vehicle. After going through the motor vehicle records, the police determined the name of the potential suspect — Matthew J. Hoffman. It turned out that he was questioned about the murder not long after the murders, as he was found in the area where Tina’s truck was discovered.
After tracking down Matthew on November 14, they searched his house and rescued Tina’s 13-year-old daughter, Sarah Maynard, from his captivity. During the interrogation, the unemployed tree trimmer claimed that he had found Sarah in his house in the days following the murders. He told the detectives that he then took care of her and fed her. However, the truth was that he had sexually assaulted the teenager and given her rotten food. He was arrested and charged with the kidnapping of the teenager and the killings of Tina Herrmann, Kody Maynard, and Stephanie Sprang.
The Killer Wrote a Chilling Confession Letter Detailing His Crimes
While he was in the custody of the police, Matthew wrote a 10-page confession letter, admitting to the murders and the abduction. He also revealed the location of the remains of his three victims. As per his accounts, he broke into Tina’s house on November 10, 2010, with the intention of burglary. When she allegedly returned home unexpectedly quicker, he began beating her. He stated that at the same time, Tina’s close friend and neighbor, Stephanie Sprang, showed up too. He proceeded to stab both women to death, after which he was surprised by Tina’s two kids, Kody and Sarah, who returned home from school.
Matthew attacked both the children, killing Kody but allegedly only subduing Sarah. After the murders, he reportedly abducted Sarah, whom he kept bound in his basement. Meanwhile, he dismembered the remains of Tina, Kody, and Stephanie before placing them inside a hollowed-out tree in the wooded area of Kokosing Wildlife Preserve. A few months later, on January 7, 2011, the killer pleaded guilty to killing three people and all the charges against him related to the crime, including aggravated murder, gross abuse of a corpse, burglary, kidnapping, and rape. Eventually, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Read More: Matthew Hoffman: Where is the Killer Now?
