Iowa Man Gets Life in Prison After Executing Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother and Critically Injuring Her Father During Move-Out
DES MOINES, IA — A 25-year-old Iowa man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he ambushed his ex-girlfriend’s parents during a move-out last year, killing her mother and critically injuring her father in a shooting prosecutors described as deliberate and unprovoked.
Hamza Smajlovic was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 25 years, for murdering 45-year-old Ruth Robison and attempting to kill 53-year-old Tony Robison as they helped their daughter move belongings out of Smajlovic’s home.
The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing case that revealed years of domestic abuse and control.
A Deadly Attack During a Routine Move-Out
The shooting occurred on Nov. 1, 2024, at a home on NW 51st Place in Des Moines, as Ruth and Tony Robison were packing furniture for their daughter, Jasmyne Robison, who had finally decided to leave her abusive relationship.
During his guilty plea last month, Smajlovic admitted in court:
“I grabbed the 9-millimeter and shot Ruth in the head. After Ruth, I pointed the gun at Tony, and I shot him in the head as well.”
Ruth died at the scene. Tony survived but suffered life-altering injuries.
Deputies arrived to find both parents shot inside the home. Paramedics rushed Tony to the hospital while Ruth was pronounced dead.
Years of Abuse Led to the Final Breaking Point
At sentencing, Jasmyne delivered an emotional statement describing a “dreadful nine years” with Smajlovic — a relationship marked by isolation, violence, and fear.
She said that the moment he choked her in October 2024 was the final breaking point that pushed her to leave.
Facing Smajlovic, she said:
“I wish I never met you. I will never get the time back with my mother.”
Her sister, Chayse Robison, told the court their mother died while protecting her daughter, calling Ruth’s actions heroic.
“Her memory is stronger than the man that killed her will ever be,” she said. “She gave her life protecting Jasmyne, and she did so without hesitation.”
Judge Rejects Plea Deal’s Recommendation
The plea deal suggested that the 25-year attempted murder sentence should run concurrently with the life term — effectively making the additional sentence symbolic.
But District Judge Joseph Seidlin disagreed, choosing instead to run the sentences consecutively to emphasize the severity of both crimes.
“By running these counts concurrently, I believe it symbolizes that the unsuccessful attempt to commit murder doesn’t count,” the judge said. “I cannot go along with this one.”
Defendant Admits His Crimes Destroyed Multiple Lives
Smajlovic spoke briefly during sentencing, acknowledging the devastation he caused.
“My life wasn’t the only one that was ruined. Many, many lives got ruined.”
Prosecutors called the case a clear example of how domestic abuse can escalate into lethal violence when victims attempt to leave.
A Family’s Legacy of Strength and Loss
Loved ones described Ruth Robison as a devoted mother whose final act was standing between her daughter and an abuser.
Her daughter Chayse told the court:
“Her legacy will be defined by honor. His actions will define him with shame.”
The family says they hope Ruth’s story encourages others in abusive situations to seek help — and for communities to support victims before violence escalates.
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