Des Moines, Iowa – An Iowa man who opened fire on his ex-girlfriend’s parents as they helped her move out of their shared home will spend the rest of his life in prison. Prosecutors said Hamza Smajlovic, 25, shot and killed 45-year-old Ruth Robison and critically wounded 53-year-old Tony Robison on November 1, 2024, during a violent confrontation fueled by years of alleged abuse. The case reached its final chapter on Friday, when Smajlovic was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 25 years.
Incident Overview
According to the Polk County Attorney’s Office, Ruth and Tony Robison were helping their daughter, Jasmyne Robison, collect her belongings from a home in the 200 block of NW 51st Place. Jasmyne had ended her relationship with Smajlovic shortly after he allegedly choked her in October 2024 — the incident she described as the “last straw” in what she called nine years of abuse.
During last month’s plea hearing, Smajlovic admitted in open court that he shot both victims at close range.
“I grabbed the 9-millimeter and shot Ruth in the head,” he told District Judge Joseph Seidlin. “I believe after Ruth, I pointed the gun at Tony, and I shot him in the head as well.”…