In loving memory A community Mourns a Tragic Double Homicide , Minnesota

In loving memory A community Mourns a Tragic Double Homicide , Minnesota 

HANSKA, MN — A wave of shock and heartbreak has swept across the Hanska and Courtland communities following a tragic double homicide late Friday night that claimed the lives of Justin Reinhardt and his girlfriend, whose name has not yet been publicly released. The devastating incident has left family members, friends, and neighbors reeling as authorities continue their urgent search for a suspect identified as Randy Zimmerman, of Courtland, Minnesota.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a violent incident late Friday evening at a rural residence between Hanska and Courtland. When law enforcement arrived, they discovered two victims suffering from fatal injuries. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities quickly began investigating the case as a double homicide, setting off an extensive manhunt for the suspect believed to be responsible.

Officials have since issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert for Randy Zimmerman, who is considered armed and dangerous. Zimmerman is believed to be driving a gray 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Minnesota license plates. Law enforcement agencies across southern Minnesota and neighboring states have been notified, and residents are urged not to approach Zimmerman if spotted, but to immediately contact authorities.

“This is a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking case,” said Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl. “We are doing everything in our power to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families as they endure this unimaginable loss.”

The deaths of Justin Reinhardt and his girlfriend have left an unfillable void in both the Hanska and Courtland communities — two small, close-knit towns where everyone seems to know one another. Friends describe Reinhardt as a hardworking, kind, and dependable man who deeply loved his family and community. “Justin had a heart of gold,” said one longtime friend. “He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. This is just unreal — it doesn’t feel real.”

Neighbors and loved ones have expressed their grief and disbelief, saying the couple was deeply loved and full of life. “They were such a happy pair,” said another resident. “They didn’t deserve this. Nobody does. Our hearts are broken for their families.”

Community members have begun organizing vigils and remembrance gatherings to honor the lives lost and to support the grieving families. Churches in both Hanska and Courtland have opened their doors for prayer and counseling as residents struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.

As the manhunt continues, local schools and public facilities have been advised to remain vigilant, though officials have stated there is no immediate threat to the general public outside of locating the suspect. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and Nicollet County authorities, are assisting in the investigation and search efforts.

“This kind of tragedy shakes the very foundation of our small communities,” said Mayor Richard Glawe of Hanska. “We stand united in grief and in determination to support the families affected and help bring justice for Justin and his partner.”

Anyone with information on Randy Zimmerman’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately or contact the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at 507-233-6700.

For now, Hanska and Courtland mourn together — two towns bound by heartbreak and hope, remembering two lives taken far too soon. As friends and family gather to light candles and share memories, they cling to one another in the face of unimaginable loss, praying that justice will soon be served and that peace will follow this moment of sorrow.