Minnesota Man Arrested in Iowa Following Fatal Shooting of Former Partner and Her Boyfriend
A Minnesota man was taken into custody in Iowa on Sunday after allegedly fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend and her new partner in a violent home invasion.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office said the incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning when the victims’ 13-year-old child called 911 shortly after 4 a.m., reporting that 45-year-old Randy Thomas Zimmerman had broken into their home and shot his mother.
First responders arrived to find 32-year-old Tabitha Trescott and 50-year-old Justin Reinarts, a firefighter with the Hanska Fire Department, deceased in an upstairs bedroom. Investigators recovered two spent shotgun shells at the scene.
According to authorities, Trescott’s son woke to hear profanities and Zimmerman’s voice saying, “I gave you a chance,” followed by gunfire. The child reportedly saw Zimmerman pointing a shotgun at him and returned to his room as instructed. Zimmerman’s brother later contacted 911 after receiving a text in which Zimmerman claimed responsibility for the killings.
Law enforcement traced Zimmerman’s black 2013 Toyota Camry to Iowa later that afternoon, sparking a high-speed chase with speeds reaching 100 mph. During the pursuit, Zimmerman allegedly fired at pursuing deputies. Officers successfully ended the chase using a PIT maneuver, after which Zimmerman fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Authorities recovered a shotgun believed to have been used in the murders from the vehicle.
Zimmerman has a documented criminal history, including six stalking charges filed in July, as well as prior convictions for domestic assault, burglary, and DWI. He waived an extradition hearing and is set to be returned to Minnesota to face murder charges.
This tragic case underscores the dangers posed by individuals with a history of violent behavior, particularly in the context of domestic disputes. Authorities emphasized the importance of rapid intervention and monitoring high-risk individuals to prevent further loss of life.