Kidnap Suspect Matthew Hoffman Yawns in Court Appearance

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2010— -- Matthew Hoffman, the former convict accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and eyed in the disappearance of her family, yawned when he appeared in an Ohio court today via video. As a safety precaution, the suspect was dressed in a "suicide gown."

Hoffman, 30, remained silent when charged in court for kidnapping Sarah Maynard, 13, and holding her prisoner in his basement, bound and gagged.

The suspect did not enter a plea. He looked down through much of the hearing, even yawning at one point.

Hoffman's public defender Bruce Malek said his client was unemployed, but had previously worked as a seasonal tree trimmer.

The judge set bail at $1 million and scheduled an additional hearing for next Tuesday.

If convicted of kidnapping, Hoffman could face a 10-year prison term. Authorities have indicated Hoffman could face additional charges.

Hoffman wore an-anti suicide gown made of a heavy material, intended to keep inmates from killing themselves with their own clothes. Knox County Sheriff David Barber said Hoffman had indicated he was contemplating suicide and was placed on suicide watch.

Police believe may have also played a role in the disappearance of the girl's family. Her mother Tina Herrmann, 32, brother Kody Maynard, 10, and family friend Stephanie Sprang, 41, who were last seen Wednesday at the family's home in Herman, Ohio, some 10 miles from where Sarah was found.

Authorities have searched a former gravel quarry turned into a park near Hoffman's Mount Vernon, Ohio, home looking for evidence of the three missing people. They removed two cars from a lake, but found no new evidence.

Barber told reporters today that police had discovered a Walmart reciept for tarps, garbage bags and a t-shirt at Hoffman's home. He said investigators had since found tarps and garbage bags he described as "significant to the investigation"

"We have recovered and collected significant evidence in this case," he said.

Kidnap Suspect Matthew Hoffman Would Kill and Eat Squirrels

Police were called to Sarah Maynard's home last Wednesday after Herrmann did not show up for work at a Dairy Queen. Investigators said they found large amounts of blood inside the house, which they believe is related to the family's disappearance.

Investigators are awaiting DNA testing of the blood found in the home.

Since Hofmann's arrest neighbors have described the convicted arsonist, who was released from a Colorado prison two years ago, as "bizarre." Hoffman served a seven year term for setting fire to a condominium complex in Steamboat Springs, Colo., in an attempt to cover up a burglary.

Neighbors in Ohio said they would see him climbing trees, spying on them from the boughs, building fires on his front lawn and killing small animals.

"He was killing the squirrels because he doesn't grocery shop," neighbor Kara Fowler told ABC News. "He would actually kill the squirrels and eat them."

Barber said Monday it was increasingly likely that Sarah's missing family were dead.

"We still would like to retain a hopeful attitude, but we have to be realistic," Barber said Monday.

"Four people are missing not quite a week. There has been no contact with them, with the exception of Sarah. Based on evidence, based on the fact we haven't seen them, there is a possibility that Stephanie, Tina and Kody are dead, that they've been killed," he said.

Sprang's father said he is praying police find the remaining missing people.

"We just have all the hope we can and prayers from everyone," Steven Thompson told "Good Morning America" today.

"We have thought how that connection was there, and we can't come up with one," he said. "I have never met the guy. I have never even seen his picture until just the other day."

Though Thompson had no inkling that anything was amiss with his daughter before she disappeared, he has since heard from friends that she suspected she might have been followed.

"I've heard from friends that she's had feelings for a while now that somebody was stalking her or watching her," he said.