On a Friday evening in Des Moines, Iowa, a mother's act of love ended in tragedy. Ruth Sue Ann Robison, a 52-year-old White/Caucasian woman, was fatally shot on November 1, 2024, while helping her daughter move out of her ex-boyfriend's home. The peaceful neighborhood on Northwest 51st Place was shattered by violence around 5:30 p.m. when deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office were called to the scene of a shooting.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered both Ruth and her husband,
Tony Ray Robison, suffering from gunshot wounds to the head. They were rushed to a local hospital, where Ruth succumbed to her injuries. Her husband was left in critical condition. The couple had been assisting their 24-year-old daughter, Jasymyne, in leaving the residence she had shared with her ex-boyfriend following a recent "domestic situation" that led to their breakup.
The suspect, 24-year-old Hamza Smajlovic, was arrested at the scene. According to criminal complaints, Smajlovic used a 9mm pistol to shoot his ex-girlfriend's parents and also attempted to shoot Jasymyne, but missed. Smajlovic has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on a $750,000 bond.
The incident has been described by law enforcement as a tragic outcome of a domestic situation, highlighting the dangers that can arise from volatile relationships. The investigation is ongoing, with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation working collaboratively on the case. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to help the family with the unexpected funeral costs for Ruth and the medical expenses for her husband.
