DES MOINES, IA – A man from Iowa is in custody following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of his ex-girlfriend’s mother and left her father critically injured.

Authorities were called to a residence in the 200 block of NW 51st Place in Des Moines on Friday evening around 5:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a man and woman suffering from gunshot wounds. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Hamza Smajlovic, was arrested on charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and use of a weapon with intent to intimidate.

The victims have been identified as Ruth Sue Ann Robison, 45, who was pronounced dead at the hospital, and her 52-year-old husband, who is in critical condition. The couple was reportedly assisting their daughter in moving out of the home she had shared with Smajlovic following the end of their relationship.

Authorities allege that Smajlovic fired shots during the moving process. A criminal complaint states that he used a 9 mm pistol to shoot Robison in the head and her husband as well. During the incident, bullets were fired into the home where the victims were situated. Smajlovic reportedly stayed at the scene, while his ex-girlfriend, who was present at the time, was uninjured.

“The defendant did knowingly, intentionally and willingly fire a live 9 mm round into an occupied residence at the victim, while in the commission of a murder and attempted murder of two other victims in the home at the time of the shooting,” according to the criminal complaint filed by local authorities.

Smajlovic is being held at the Polk County Jail without bond while awaiting a preliminary hearing set for November 12. The investigation into Robison’s death is ongoing as authorities continue to gather further evidence and details regarding the case.

This tragic event has shocked the local Des Moines community, leaving many in Polk County mourning and searching for answers. Law enforcement officials in Des Moines urge anyone with additional information about the shooting of Robison and her husband to come forward.

Efforts to contact the families involved for comment were not immediately successful. As the investigation continues, court records and proceedings will hopefully bring more clarity to this devastating situation.