Fear Strikes Mount Vernon

Forty miles away from Columbus, the tiny, quaint town of Mount Vernon is struck with fear. Once known as the type of place where you leave your doors unlocked and your engine running at the local convenience store, peace and tranquility are now replaced with an overwhelming fear of what might have happened to a missing family.

This last Sunday, 13-year old Sarah Maynard was found in the bottom of 30-year old Matthew Hoffman's basement, both bound and gagged. Her mother, 32 year old Tina Herman, her son, 10 year old Kody Maynard and the mother's friend, 41 year old Stephanie Sprang, have all disappeared and the entire town fears they are all dead.

The missing family remains in the hearts and minds of the townspeople, as volunteers conducted a foot search Wednesday surrounding Hoffman's home where they found the kidnapped girl. As residents and their family, gather for this Thanksgiving Holiday, discussions swirl about the missing mother, son and family friend.

Although everybody is hopeful that the family is still alive, Sheriffs and law enforcement are doubtful due to the amount of time that has passed and the unusual amount of blood collected at the home of Tina Herman. Matthew Hoffman was charged with kidnapping Sarah after they found her bound and gagged in his basement Sunday. His bond was set at $1 million.

Hoffman was released from an eight year prison sentence in 2007, after committing robbery, grand theft auto and arson in a Colorado ski resort town. After his release, he returned to Ohio. A former girlfriend claimed he choked her and pinned her neck against the wall with his forearm in an argument.

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