Knox County Triple-Slaying: Hoffman Pleads Guilty

Amid heavy security, Matthew Hoffman plead guilty to the November 2010 triple-murder of three Knox County, Ohio residents.

On Monday, a Knox County Grand Jury indicted Hoffman on 10 counts including three counts of aggravated murder, three counts of gross abuse of a corpse and one count each of kidnapping, rape, aggravated burglary and tampering with evidence. Hoffman plead guilty to all 10 counts.

Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Otho Eyster subsequently sentenced Hoffman to the maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher read a statement to the court from Herrmann's daughter in which she stated that she and Kody arrived home from school, finding a pool of blood. She is no longer afraid of Hoffman and said "This is so sickening, Matthew, to know you even had the guts to do this to a family."

Stephanie Sprang's sister Sherry Baxter stated in court that the families agreed to remove the death penalty from consideration in order to recover the bodies in November.

Kody's father Larry Maynard addressed his son's killer: "Matthew Hoffman, you are a coward. You are the spawn of the devil...I hope you get jailhouse justice." Herrmann's brother William stated "I only wish I was the one who found you instead of the law."

Public Defender Bruce Malek, speaking for Hoffman stated that the crimes were the result of "a random burglary that went terribly, terribly wrong."

Hoffman entered the Apple Valley home of Tina Herrmann, 32, on November 10 where he killed her, her friend Stephanie Sprang, 41, and Tina's 11-year-old son Kody Maynard. Herrmann's 13-year old daughter was rescued on November 14 from Hoffman's home on Columbus Road in Mount Vernon.

Four days later, investigators located the remains of Herrmann, Sprang and Maynard inside a large hollow tree near Fredericktown, Ohio. The bodies had been dismembered and placed inside plastic trash bags. The remains of Tina's dog were also found in the tree. At the time, Knox County Sheriff David Barber stated that information provided by Hoffman led to the discovery of the remains.

Knox County Coroner Jennifer Ogle indicated multiple stab wounds as the cause of death.

The rural community of Knox County rallied with support. Hundreds of volunteers turned out to search areas of Knox County looking for any clue that might lead to the safe return of the four missing people. Others donated food, drinks and supplies to assist the searchers while some donated food to the families of the victims. Funds were established at area banks and credit unions. Prayer vigils were organized.

Following the discovery of the bodies, the community once again came together to continue raising money for the surviving children. Businesses donated prizes for an auction held at Apple Valley's Breezy Bay. The local Dairy Queen, where Tina Maynard worked, held a Blizzard sale raising more than $5000 in one day.

Stephanie Sprang leaves behind three children. Tina's daughter is living in another town with her father and is attending school.

I know that I will never, ever be able to forget the horror that descended upon my home of Knox County, Ohio. I grew up here, I raised my children here. Many of my friends express the same sentiment. If it can be said that anything good came out of this case it is the knowledge that no matter where evil resides, it is outnumbered by good and caring people who will give anything to help someone in need.

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