Justin Reinarts and Tabitha Trescott die in fatal Hanska shooting
Fatal Hanska shooting death of Justin Reinarts and Tabitha Trescott
The authorities in Brown County have identified the victims of a tragic incident occurring in the small Minnesota community of Hanska. The deceased individuals are identified as Justin Reinarts, aged 50, a local Hanska resident, and Tabitha Trescott, who was 32 and resided in New Ulm.
Law enforcement officials were dispatched to the scene on Blessum Street West shortly after 4:20 a.m. on Sunday. Trescott’s 13-year-old son contacted the police, reporting that his mother’s former partner had forcibly entered their residence during the early morning hours. This individual, identified as 45-year-old Randy Zimmerman from the nearby town of Courtland, Minnesota, was suspected of being the person who shot the occupants.
Upon their arrival, deputies discovered both Reinarts and Trescott deceased, having succumbed to gunshot injuries to the head. A significant manhunt for Zimmerman commenced, resulting in his apprehension in the state of Iowa around 4:10 p.m. later that day.
Further information indicates that Reinarts had served as a volunteer firefighter with the Hanska Fire Department and was also employed as floor security at the Jackpot Junction Casino in Redwood Falls. His occupation history provides additional context to the lives impacted by the sudden tragedy.
The initial report from Trescott’s son detailed waking up to the sound of a heated, profane voice shouting at his mother before the first gunshot was heard. He described seeing Zimmerman near the stairs and being threatened with a long gun, being told to retreat to his room, which he complied with before summoning emergency services. While the initial police complaint did not provide details concerning Reinarts’ specific circumstances, his brother later informed the authorities that he had received a message from Zimmerman claiming responsibility for the deaths. This communication confirmed the alleged events and Zimmerman’s motive.
Zimmerman has appeared in a Iowa court and is currently awaiting extradition back to Brown County, Minnesota, where he faces charges including second-degree murder.
