DES MOINES, Iowa — The man accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend’s mother and father pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree murder and attempted murder charges, the same day his trial was set to begin.

The Polk County Attorney’s Office said Hamza Smajlovic, 25, admitted to killing Ruth Robison, 45, and critically injuring Tony Robison in a shooting on November 1, 2024.

The incident happened while the Robisons were helping their daughter move out of Smajlovic’s home in the 200 block of 51^st Place in Des Moines. She had decided to break up with Smajlovic following an incident in late October 2024 where he had choked her.

“I grabbed the 9-millimeter and shot Ruth in the head,” Smajlovic told District Judge Joseph Seidlin. He also said, “I believe after Ruth, I pointed the gun at Tony, and I shot him in the head as well.”

Sentencing for Smajlovic on the first-degree murder and attempted murder convictions is scheduled for November 21^st. Life in prison without parole is the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in Iowa and attempted murder carries a prison term of 25 years.

The sentences would run concurrently, as per the plea agreement.

Smajlovic was also originally charged with three counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury in connection with the shooting.