NEW ULM – A grand jury has formally indicted Randy Thomas Zimmerman with first-degree murder in the death of Justin Reinarts and Tabitha Trescott.

The new charges against Zimmerman came during his initial hearing on Tuesday. Zimmerman was initially charged with the second-degree murder of Reinarts and Trescott, which carries a maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted.

Following a grand jury investigation the nine addition counts were added. The counts are two premeditated murder in the first degree, two counts of felony murder in the first degree, on the count of murder in the first degree with a pattern of domestic abuse, two counts of murder in the second degree with intent, one count of burglary in the first degree with a dangerous weapon and assault in the second degree. The five first-degree murder counts each carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without a chance for parole.

The indictment alleges Zimmerman broke into Justin Reinarts’ home in Hanska on Nov. 2, shooting him while he slept and then shooting and killing Trescott.

According to the warrant filed by Brown County, BCSO was alerted to the crime following a 911 call 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 stated 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.

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.

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 issued for Zimmerman’s arrest. An alert was issued for his vehicle, including the license plate number. Zimmerman was later apprehended by law enforcement in Lousia County, Iowa. He is also alleged to have fired on law enforcement before his capture.

Brown County Court documents show Zimmerman has previous criminal convictions for assault and domestic assault. In July 2025, Zimmerman was charged with six counts of stalking a female victim.

The count of murder in the first degree with a pattern of domestic abuse included in the grand jury charges references a pattern of abuse Zimmerman engaged in toward Trescott prior to her death.

Zimmerman’s next court appearance will be an omnibus pretrial hearing at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at the Brown County Courthouse.