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.”
The shooting happened inside the home while the family was moving furniture. Deputies and paramedics arrived to find both parents severely wounded. Ruth was later pronounced dead at the hospital, while Tony survived but suffered life-altering injuries.
Timeline of Events
Investigators determined that the confrontation escalated quickly after Jasmyne attempted to separate from Smajlovic permanently. Family members told authorities that Smajlovic had isolated Jasmyne from loved ones for years, a claim echoed in emotional courtroom statements.
The sentencing followed Smajlovic’s guilty plea to first-degree murder and attempted murder, as confirmed in case documents reviewed from the plea agreement.
Victim Statements in Court
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Jasmyne delivered a powerful victim impact statement, directly addressing the man she once lived with.
“I wish I never met you,” she said tearfully. “I will never get the time back with my mother.”
Her sister, Chayse Robison, also spoke, describing their mother as a woman who never stopped fighting to protect her children.
“Her memory is stronger than the man that killed her will ever be,” Chayse said. “She gave her life protecting Jasmyne, and she did so without hesitation.”
These statements highlighted the emotional devastation left behind for the Robison family and the years of struggle that preceded the tragedy.
Details From Officials
The plea deal originally called for Smajlovic to receive life in prison with the 25-year attempted-murder sentence running concurrently. However, Judge Seidlin took the rare step of rejecting part of the agreement.
“By running these counts concurrently, I believe it symbolizes that the unsuccessful attempt to commit murder doesn’t count,” the judge said, according to reporting from the case.
He ordered the time to run consecutively, ensuring an even stronger symbolic penalty, despite the fact that the additional 25 years would not affect the life-without-parole status.
Additional Context
Court records and statements from Jasmyne revealed a long pattern of alleged domestic abuse leading up to the shooting. Advocates note that situations like these often become most dangerous when a victim attempts to leave — a period known as the “separation escalation point.”
Domestic violence experts urge families and victims to seek assistance through shelters, crisis hotlines, and law enforcement safety planning. Tragedies like the Robison case underscore the risks survivors face when trying to escape abusive relationships.
According to national data, more than 50% of intimate partner homicides occur during or shortly after a breakup. Officials emphasize that safety planning—such as involving law enforcement, securing safe housing, and using domestic violence advocacy services—can be life-saving.
Public Safety Awareness
Authorities in Iowa continue urging residents to report warning signs of domestic violence. Friends or family members noticing escalating threats, aggressive behavior, or isolation tactics are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or statewide crisis services before violence erupts.
For more on case details and sentencing information, background records were reviewed from the Polk County Attorney’s Office and original reporting on the incident.
Conclusion
The life sentence handed down Friday brings a legal end to the case, but the emotional wounds will remain for the Robison family. As Jasmyne and her sister shared in court, their mother died protecting her child — a sacrifice they say will forever define her legacy of love and strength.
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