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NEW ULM - Randy Zimmerman was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the double-murder of Justin Reinarts and Tabitha Trescott on Nov. 2, 2025.
Last November, a grand jury formally indicted Zimmerman with first-degree murder in the Nov. 2 deaths of Reinarts and Trescott. He was charged with breaking into the Hanska home of Reinarts and fatally shooting Reinarts and Trescott in the bedroom before fleeing. He was arrested in Louisa County, Iowa, and later indicted by a grand jury on counts of first-degree premeditated murder.
Court records indicate Zimmerman had a history of domestic assault convictions and was on probation at the time of the murders.
Zimmerman was initially charged with second-degree murder, but a grand jury investigation later in November added nine counts, including first- and second-degree murder charges.
In August, Zimmerman entered a petition to plead guilty to the murders of Reinarts and Trescott. Each of the murder counts carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment (30 years). However, there was a question of whether the two counts would be held concurrently or consecutively. If the sentences were served concurrently, at the same time, Zimmerman could be up for parole within 30 years. If served consecutively, Zimmerman was looking at 60 years. He would not likely be eligible for parole until he was over 90 years old.
Judge Robert Docherty would make the determination over whether the sentence would be concurrently or consecutively.
During the victim impact statements read during sentences, the family of Reinarts and Trescott urged Docherty to issue a judgement for consecutive sentences.
Docherty ultimately ruled in favor of consecutive sentences. He believed the remorse showed by the Zimmerman was "too little too late," describing his act of violence as "unimaginable."
The family of Reinarts and Trescott expressed great relief following the sentence.
Trescott's mother Terri Smith said because of the judgement, the family will not need to worry about going through this process again in 30 years.
Austin Reinarts, son of Justin Reinarts said this sentencing was the best case scenario in a situation where there was no best scenario.