CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Iowa Man Sentenced to Life After Shooting His Ex’s Parents While They Helped Her Move Out

Hamza Smajlovic pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder and was sentenced to life in prison on Nov. 21, 2025, for a Nov. 1, 2024 shooting in Des Moines that killed Ruth Robison and critically wounded her husband, Tony. The Robisons had been helping their daughter, Jasmyn, move out after she ended a long abusive relationship following an October choking incident. At sentencing, Smajlovic admitted grabbing a 9‑millimeter handgun and shooting both victims. Family members spoke at the hearing, mourning Ruth and condemning the defendant’s actions.

02:12 AM, 11/30/2025Society
Iowa Man Sentenced to Life After Shooting His Ex’s Parents While They Helped Her Move Out

An Iowa man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder and attempted murder in a November 2024 shooting that killed his ex‑girlfriend's mother and critically wounded her father.

Prosecutors say Hamza Smajlovic shot Ruth Robison dead and critically injured Tony Robison on Nov. 1, 2024, in Des Moines, Polk County. The couple had gone to their daughter Jasmyn Robison’s home to help her move out after she ended a yearslong relationship with Smajlovic.

According to court records and prosecutors, Jasmyn decided to break off the relationship after an October 2024 incident in which Smajlovic choked her at the Des Moines residence. She described that episode as the "final straw" after what she called a "dreadful nine years."

At a sentencing hearing on Nov. 21, 2025, prosecutors recounted Smajlovic's own statement to the court:

"I grabbed the 9‑millimeter and shot Ruth in the head. I believe after Ruth, I pointed the gun at Tony, and I shot him in the head as well."

Smajlovic pleaded guilty in October 2025 to charges of murder and attempted murder and was given a life sentence on Nov. 21, 2025.

Family members spoke at the hearing. Jasmyn Robison addressed the defendant directly, saying, "I wish I never met you. I will never get the time back with my mother." Her sister, Chayse Robison, honored their mother’s sacrifice: "Her memory is stronger than the man that killed her will ever be. His actions will define him and his family name with shame, but my mother, Ruth Robison, her legacy will be defined by honor. She gave her life protecting Jasmyne, and she did so without hesitation."

Ruth Robison died of her injuries; Tony Robison survived but was critically wounded. The case highlights a deadly escalation of domestic violence when family members attempted to help a loved one leave an abusive relationship.

Location: Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Case outcome: Smajlovic sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder and attempted murder.

Similar Articles

Trending