The Sanctuary Shattered: Murder Witnessed by a Child

The small, quiet community of Hanska, Minnesota, is reeling from a catastrophic double homicide that claimed the life of 32-year-old Tabitha Leigh Trescott and 50-year-old Justin Reinarts. Tabitha, a cherished resident and mother, was tragically shot and killed in her own home on Sunday morning, November 2, 2025. The immense grief is amplified by the shocking and cruel reality that the violence was allegedly perpetrated by her ex-boyfriend, Randy Zimmerman, and the crime was discovered after her own juvenile son called 911 to report that his mom had been shot.

The Agonizing Trauma: A Call for Justice and Safety

The criminal complaint details the sheer terror of that morning: the juvenile witness heard yelling, then a gunshot, and saw the armed suspect moments later. The trauma inflicted upon Tabitha’s son and the rest of her family is unquantifiable. Tabitha Trescott was a woman whose life, while marked by struggle, was filled with potential and love, particularly for her child. Her companion, Justin Reinarts, a dedicated local firefighter, was also tragically killed. The community is left grappling with the knowledge that this shocking, targeted act of domestic violence has irrevocably shattered two families. The suspect, after fleeing in a high-speed manhunt that ended with him allegedly shooting at an Iowa deputy, has since been charged with second-degree murder, beginning the long, painful road toward justice.

An Anchor in Compassion: Supporting the Victims’ Families

Hanska Mayor Dan Paulson spoke for the stunned town, stating, “The loss of two lives in such a violent and senseless manner has shaken our community to its core.” In this dark hour, the community’s primary focus must be on wrapping Tabitha’s juvenile son and the families of both victims in an unwavering network of support. To honor Tabitha Trescott and Justin Reinarts is to commit to vigilance against domestic violence and to foster a community rooted in compassion and safety. May the collective support of Hanska serve as an essential anchor, providing solace and strength as the two families navigate this crushing, unimaginable sorrow.