An Iowa man was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, November 21, for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend’s mother and critically injuring her father.
Hamza Smajlovic pleaded guilty in October to murder and attempted murder charges, Polk County prosecutors said. The crime occurred on November 1, 2024, in Des Moines.
According to prosecutors, Smajlovic had previously choked his ex, Jasmyn Robison, at their home earlier in October 2024. Robison said the incident was the “final straw” after enduring a “dreadful nine years” with Smajlovic, leading her to end the relationship.
On the day of the shooting, Robison’s parents, Ruth and Tony, came to help their daughter move out of the home. Smajlovic then opened fire, killing Ruth and severely wounding Tony. Prosecutors quoted Smajlovic admitting in court, “I grabbed the 9-millimeter and shot Ruth in the head. I believe after Ruth, I pointed the gun at Tony, and I shot him in the head as well.”
During the sentencing hearing, Jasmyn Robison addressed Smajlovic directly. “I wish I never met you,” she said. “I will never get the time back with my mother.”
Her sister, Chayse Robison, also spoke, honoring their mother’s courage. “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 honor. She gave her life protecting Jasmyne, and she did so without hesitation.”
Smajlovic’s life sentence marks the end of a case that has left a lasting impact on the Robison family and the Des Moines community, highlighting both the tragedy of violent domestic abuse and the strength of those left behind.
Hope it was worth it? LIfe in prison because he was too stupid to control himself.
We used to call him hammie!
The women thought he was cute.