A 25-year-old Iowa man has been sentenced to life in prison after admitting to fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend’s mother and critically injuring her father during a violent attack that unfolded as the family helped his former partner move out.
Hamza Smajlovic received life imprisonment without the possibility of parole last Friday, November 21, after pleading guilty in October to murder and attempted murder. The sentencing followed disturbing details laid out by Polk County prosecutors, who said Smajlovic had previously strangled his former partner, Jasmyn Robison, at their Des Moines home.
Jasmyn later told authorities the assault marked the “final straw” after what she described as a “dreadful nine years” of abuse. Her parents, Tony and Ruth Robison, traveled to help her leave the relationship on November 1, 2024. As they assisted her, Smajlovic opened fire. Ruth Robison, 45, of Urbandale, was killed instantly.
Tony Robison was also shot in the head and survived with life-threatening injuries. During court proceedings, prosecutors said Smajlovic told the court, “I grabbed the 9 millimetre and shot Ruth in the head.” He added, “I believe after Ruth, I pointed the gun at Tony, and I shot him in the head as well.”
Members of the Robison family filled the courtroom for the sentencing, including Jasmyn, who addressed Smajlovic directly. “I wish I had never met you,” she said. “I will never get the time back with my mother.” She also revealed she had concealed the full extent of the abuse from her family until she decided to leave.
Five additional family members shared statements, including Jasmyn’s sister, Chayse Robison. “Her memory is stronger than the man that killed her will ever be,” she said. “His actions will define him and his family name with shame, but my mother, Ruth Robison, her legacy will be defined by honour. She gave her life protecting Jasmyne, and she did so without hesitation.”
Tony Robison also read a poem written by Chayse, honoring his wife’s memory. It began, “My yellow rose, once only a symbol of my love, has now become your eternal sign,” and described Ruth’s courage and enduring love. Smajlovic apologized during the hearing, saying, “My life wasn’t the only one that was ruined. Many, many lives got ruined.”
Along with life without parole, he was sentenced to an additional 25 years for the attempted murder charge. District Judge Joseph Seidlin issued consecutive sentences, explaining they were symbolic of the separate acts committed against both victims. He said the family’s suffering reflects not only Ruth’s death but also the lasting impact on Tony.
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