A 25-year-old man named Hamza Smajlovic from Iowa has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering his ex-girlfriend’s mother and attempting to kill her father. The incident took place in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. Prior to the shooting, Smajlovic had assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Jasmyn Robison, prompting her to end their nine-year relationship.
During the attack on November 1, 2024, Ruth Robison, aged 45, was fatally shot, while Tony Robison sustained critical injuries to the head. Smajlovic confessed in court that he shot Ruth first and then Tony. Jasmyn and several members of the Robison family, including her sister Chayse, expressed their grief and emphasized Ruth’s courageous act of protecting Jasmyn during the sentencing hearing.
Jasmyn revealed that she had kept the extent of her abuse hidden from her family until she decided to leave Smajlovic. Despite apologizing to the family in court, Smajlovic acknowledged the devastation caused by his actions. In a poignant moment, Tony Robison shared a heartfelt poem written by Chayse in memory of Ruth.
Smajlovic, who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and attempted murder, received a life sentence without parole, along with an additional 25 years for the shooting. District Judge Joseph Seidlin emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that the attacks on the Robison couple were deliberate acts of violence. The judge highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy on the Robison family, underscoring the loss of both Ruth and the severe injuries sustained by Tony.