Brown County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) identified Justin Paul Reinarts, 50, and Tabitha Leigh Trescott, 32 as the two victims killed in a home located at Blessum Street West in Hanska directly across the city park.

A suspect in the double-murder, 45-year-old Randy Thomas Zimmerman, was arrested Sunday afternoon following a manhunt that ended in Iowa. Zimmerman is currently being held in custody in Louisa County, Iowa pending extradition back to Brown County.

According to the warrant filed by Brown County, BCSO was alerted to the crime following a 911 call at 4:22 a.m. from a 13-year-old witness who stated his mom’s ex-boyfriend, Randy Thomas Zimmerman, broke into their home and shot his mom.

The witness state he awoke to someone yelling and then heard the discharge of a firearm. The witness opened his bedroom door to the hallway and recognized Zimmerman standing near the stairs. The witness said Zimmerman pointed a long gun at him and told him to go back to his room. The witness closed his bedroom door and waited before calling 911.

Police tape surrounds the home at 102 W. Blessum Street in Hanska. The house was the site of a double homicide committed early Sunday morning. A suspect in the killing was apprehended 12 hours later in Iowa.

Brown County Chief Deputy Andrew Konechne arrived on the scene and found two adult victims in the house later identified as Reinarts and Trescott. Both were killed by gunshots. It appear both victims were shot in their sleep.

Konechne said Zimmerman immediately became the primary suspect after the witnesses’ identification. Later in the morning, the suspect’s brother contacted the sheriff’s office, informing them he received a text message from Zimmerman saying “he shot them both.”

A nationwide warrant was issues for Zimmerman’s arrest. An alert was issues for his vehicle including the licenses plate number.

Konechne said not long after the alert was issues, law enforcement received a hit on Zimmerman’s vehicle plate in Iowa.

According to a press release from Louisa County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the department was notified at 3:35 p.m. that double homicide suspect was driving eastbound on Highway 92. The suspect’s vehicle was viewed in neighboring Washington County, after a License Plate Recognition System provided a hit. Louisa County and Muscatine County Deputies intercepted the suspect being followed by a Washington County Deputy near the Highway 43 and Highway 92 intersection.

LCSO pursued Zimmerman through Letts, Iowa. During the pursuit Zimmerman was reported by LSCO to have fired a single shot from a shotgun out his window at a Louisa County Deputy. No law officers were harmed.

A Lousia County Deputy was eventually able use their squad vehicle to push Zimmerman’s vehicle into a ditch disabling it. Zimmerman then tried to flee on foot but was captured by Lousia County Deputies and was arrested.

Zimmerman remains in Louisa County Jail. He has waived extradition and is awaiting transportation back to Minnesota.

Konechne said Zimmerman will likely be returned to Brown County within the next few days. It is possible he could face additional warrants and charges in Iowa at a later time.

Zimmerman is currently facing second-degree murder charges, but additional first-degree charges could be added.

According to Brown County Court documents, Zimmerman’s previous criminal record includes convictions for assault and domestic assault. In July, Zimmerman was charged with six counts of stalking a female victim.

Konechne said Brown County Prosecutors are planning to convene a grand jury to bring first-degree murder charges against Zimmerman for the deaths of Reinarts and Trescott.

Hanska Mayor Dan Paulson issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and heartbreak over the death of Reinarts and Trescott of behalf of the city.

“The loss of two lives is such a violent and senseless manner has shaken our community to its core,” Paulson said. “No words can express the pain and grief that we are feeling as a community. Hanska is a small town where neighbors know and care for one another, and this act of violence has left us stunned and grieving.”

Paulson thanked Hanska first responders and law enforcement agencies in both Minnesota and Iowa who worked quickly to apprehend the suspect.

“Their efforts have brought a measure of relief and safety to our residents during an incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“Healing will take time, but Hanska is strong, and we will stand together to support one another,” Paulson said. “Let us honor the memory of those we lost by fostering a community rooted in compassion, safety, and resilience.”