Violent Criminal Walks Free—Then KILLS

Person handcuffing another persons wrists

A violent ex-boyfriend with a criminal history executed his former girlfriend and her new firefighter boyfriend in front of children, then fired at law enforcement during a cross-state manhunt that exposed deadly gaps in our domestic violence system.

Story Snapshot

Randy Zimmerman, 45, shot ex-girlfriend Tabitha Trescott and retired firefighter Justin Reinarts with a shotgun while children were present
Zimmerman had prior convictions for domestic assault, stalking, burglary, and DWI but remained free to commit murder
Children witnessed the 4:20 a.m. home invasion murders, with the victim’s son calling 911
Suspect led police on interstate chase, firing at Iowa deputy before being tasered and arrested

Domestic Violence System Fails Children and Victims

On November 2, 2025, Randy Zimmerman broke into his ex-girlfriend’s Hanska, Minnesota home at 4:20 a.m. and murdered 32-year-old Tabitha Leigh Trescott and her new boyfriend, 50-year-old retired firefighter Justin Paul Reinarts. Multiple children were present during the shotgun execution, including Trescott’s son who courageously called 911 to report that his mother’s ex-boyfriend had shot her. This horrific crime exposes how our justice system repeatedly fails to protect innocent families from known violent offenders.

Criminal History Ignored by Failed Justice System

Zimmerman’s deadly rampage was entirely predictable given his extensive violent criminal record. Court documents reveal prior convictions for domestic assault, assault, burglary, and DWI, along with a previous stalking arrest. Domestic violence experts recognize these as classic warning signs for lethal escalation, particularly when victims enter new relationships. Yet despite this red flag history, Zimmerman remained free to terrorize and ultimately murder his ex-girlfriend and her new partner, highlighting catastrophic failures in our criminal justice system’s ability to protect law-abiding citizens.

Interstate Manhunt Puts Law Enforcement at Risk

After murdering two innocent people, Zimmerman fled Minnesota in a Toyota Camry, leading authorities on a dangerous interstate pursuit. License plate recognition technology tracked him into Iowa, where Louisa County deputies intercepted him around 4:00 p.m. During the high-speed chase, Zimmerman fired at a sheriff’s deputy, escalating his violence against those sworn to protect the public. Deputies successfully ended the threat by forcing his vehicle off the road and deploying a taser when he fled into a field.

Justice Delayed as Legal System Moves Forward

Zimmerman now sits in an Iowa jail on $5 million bond, having waived extradition to face felony murder charges in Minnesota. Iowa authorities plan additional charges for firing at a deputy and evading arrest. While this violent criminal finally faces consequences, the damage is irreversible – two lives lost, children traumatized, and families destroyed. Louisa County Sheriff Brandon Marquardt confirmed the suspect’s armed confrontation with deputies, emphasizing the ongoing danger posed by repeat violent offenders who slip through cracks in our justice system.