New Ulm, MN – A 45-year-old Minnesota man allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend inside her home early Sunday morning, before fleeing to Iowa, where he opened fire on a sheriff’s deputy during a high-speed chase. The suspect, Randy Zimmerman, was arrested hours later after a dramatic pursuit that ended in a rural field, authorities said.
The Incident: Ex-Boyfriend Storms Into Home and Opens Fire
According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Zimmerman broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home around 4:20 a.m. on Sunday and shot both her and her boyfriend with a shotgun. The victims were identified as 32-year-old woman (Zimmerman’s ex-girlfriend) and 50-year-old Justin Reinert, a retired firefighter.
Multiple children were inside the house at the time of the attack, including the woman’s son, who later made the 911 call reporting the killings.
“Brown County dispatch received a 911 call from a juvenile witness who stated that his mom’s ex-boyfriend broke into their house and shot his mom,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
When officers arrived, they discovered both victims dead from gunshot wounds to the head in an upstairs bedroom. Two spent shotgun shells were recovered from the scene.
The child told investigators that before opening fire, Zimmerman said to his mother,
“I gave you a chance.”
The boy also recalled waking up to yelling and being confronted in the hallway by Zimmerman, who pointed the shotgun at him and ordered him back into his room.
Investigation and Evidence: Police Track Zimmerman Across State Lines
Following the double homicide, Zimmerman allegedly fled in a 2013 Toyota Camry, sparking an extensive 12-hour manhunt that spanned multiple states.
Using a license plate recognition system, investigators tracked his vehicle to Washington County, Iowa, before Louisa County deputies and Muscatine County deputies intercepted him near Highway 92.
“The suspect vehicle took off at a high rate of speed before any stop was initiated,” the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office reported.
During the chase, Zimmerman allegedly reached speeds exceeding 100 mph and fired a shotgun out of his car window, striking at least one vehicle but missing the deputy.
“He pulled a shotgun out of the window during the chase and fired one shot backwards at our deputy,” said Louisa County Sheriff Brandon Marquardt.
Police then pitted Zimmerman’s vehicle into a ditch, forcing it to stop. When he attempted to flee on foot, officers deployed a taser and took him into custody in a nearby field.
Court Proceedings and Criminal Charges
Zimmerman was booked into the Louisa County Jail on a $5 million cash-only bond and is facing multiple felony murder charges in Minnesota. Authorities confirmed that he waived extradition and is awaiting transport back to Minnesota to face prosecution.
In Iowa, Zimmerman will also face additional charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and fleeing police.
“We do plan on filing charges and will be asking for a warrant to be issued,” Sheriff Marquardt told reporters.
Court records show Zimmerman has a history of domestic violence, including prior convictions for domestic assault, stalking, burglary, and DWI. Investigators believe the shooting was an act of retaliation after Zimmerman’s ex-girlfriend ended their relationship and began seeing Reinert.
Reactions and Law Enforcement Response
Authorities described the crime as a targeted act of domestic violence that escalated into a multi-state pursuit. Officers who responded to the scene said the presence of children made the crime especially traumatic.
Neighboring law enforcement agencies coordinated across jurisdictions to safely capture Zimmerman. “It was an extremely dangerous situation,” one Iowa deputy said. “He was armed, unpredictable, and willing to shoot at law enforcement.”
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office praised the collaboration between Minnesota and Iowa authorities, crediting it for the swift capture of the suspect.
Background Context: Domestic Violence and Prior History
Zimmerman’s criminal record includes several domestic-related incidents and a prior stalking arrest, though it’s unclear if the victim was the same woman killed on Sunday. Experts say this case highlights the deadly risks associated with domestic violence and relationship stalking, particularly when restraining orders or prior charges fail to deter repeat offenders.
Domestic violence advocates across Minnesota have called the case a tragic reminder of the need for stronger protections for victims of abusive relationships.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Authorities from both Minnesota and Iowa are now coordinating extradition procedures. Prosecutors in Brown County are expected to pursue two counts of first-degree murder and additional charges for endangering children who were present during the shooting.
Iowa prosecutors are also preparing to charge Zimmerman with firing on law enforcement and evading arrest.
Investigators are reviewing digital evidence and phone records to determine whether Zimmerman had planned the shooting in advance.
Conclusion
The brutal double homicide and subsequent police chase have left two families devastated and a community reeling. As Randy Zimmerman awaits trial, authorities emphasize the case as a chilling reminder of how domestic violence can quickly turn deadly—and how vital it is for victims to seek help and protection before tragedy strikes.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
