A 25-year-old man, Hamza Smajlovic, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend’s mother and injuring her father. The incident occurred when the parents, Tony and Ruth Robison, went to assist their daughter, Jasmyn Robison, in moving out of the Des Moines home following previous violent encounters with Smajlovic.

During the sentencing, Jasmyn described the abusive relationship as spanning nine years and expressed regret for ever meeting Smajlovic. She revealed the extent of the abuse she endured only when she decided to leave. Smajlovic admitted to the court that his actions had ruined many lives, including his own.

Ruth Robison lost her life in the shooting, while Tony Robison sustained critical injuries. Smajlovic confessed to shooting both of them. Family members, including Jasmyn and her sister Chayse, emphasized Ruth’s bravery in protecting her daughter and highlighted the lasting impact of her love and sacrifice.

Smajlovic pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and attempted murder, avoiding a trial that was scheduled to begin on October 27. District Judge Joseph Seidlin imposed consecutive sentences, emphasizing the gravity of the separate acts of violence against the Robison couple. The judge acknowledged the profound impact on the family and condemned the needless loss of life.