THE TRUE CRIME CASE THIS STORY IS BASED ON: Matthew Hoffman, a former tree trimmer turned murderer, became known as "The Leaf Killer" after authorities discovered his gruesome crimes in 2010. Following a downward spiral involving job loss, a breakup, and prison time for arson, Hoffman's behavior grew increasingly erratic. He began spending hours in trees, stalking his neighbors, and developing a disturbing obsession with leaves. Hoffman's fixation turned deadly when he invaded the isolated home of Tina Herrmann in Mount Vernon, Ohio, murdering her, her two children, and her friend Stephanie Sprang. After dismembering their bodies, he hid the remains in a hollow tree. His house, bizarrely filled with piles of leaves, concealed 13-year-old Sarah Maynard, whom he had kidnapped and assaulted. Hoffman’s capture was a result of meticulous police work, which involved tracking his purchases and analyzing security footage. Facing the death penalty, Hoffman confessed and led authorities to the victims' remains in exchange for a life sentence without parole. Sarah Maynard testified at his trial.

SOURCES…
https://www.ranker.com/list/matthew-hoffman-leaf-case/sonja-ska
Music provided by Alibi Music Library
= = = = =
(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately.)
= = = = =
"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46
= = = = =
WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.
= = = = =
Originally aired: July 01, 2024

CUSTOM WEBPAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/the-tree-trimmers-terrifying-secret-unmasking-the-leaf-killer-murdernoir/