Kidnapped Girl’s Rescue Uncovers Murder Tree

The Disappearance00:00:33

After Tina Herrmann and her two children go missing, a welfare check is performed at her home. Police find evidence of extreme violence and blood, but no victims, sparking a missing persons investigation.

The Investigation and Breakthrough00:05:02

Detectives discover a receipt from a late-night Walmart run for cleaning supplies. CCTV footage leads to the identification of Matthew Hoffman, a man with a past record for burglary and arson.

The Rescue of Sarah Maynard00:09:11

SWAT teams raid Hoffman's home, where they find a bizarre environment filled with leaves. They discover 13-year-old Sarah Maynard alive in the basement, bound and traumatized.

The Confession00:10:41

Following days of interrogation and silence, Hoffman finally confesses after being threatened with the death penalty. He reveals he killed Tina, her son Cody, and neighbor Stephanie Sprang, concealing their remains inside a hollow tree.

Justice and Conclusion00:29:00

Police recover the victims' remains from the tree as indicated by Hoffman. He is ultimately sentenced to life in prison without parole for his horrific crimes.