An Iowa woman allegedly fatally shot a man from behind during target practice in a remote, wooded area — telling cops it was “either him or me,” according to reports and authorities.
Ashley Ruhland, 35, has been hit with first-degree murder charges for allegedly fatally shooting Justin Emmick, 49, at his rural 30-acre property in Plymouth County, according to the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.
Ruhland, of Sioux City, had been temporarily staying with Emmick on his rugged property — only accessible by all-terrain vehicles — though she also had a protection order out against him, according to a complaint obtained by KCAU.
The pair were in a corner of the expanse for target shooting when at some point Ruhland allegedly fired at Emmick twice, once in the back and once in the head, the complaint said.
Ruhland then called 911 to report the shooting — telling law enforcement she fired the bullets in self-defense, according to cops and the outlet.
She made statements to law enforcement akin to, “it’s got to be now, or it’s going to be me,” “it was either him or me,” and “I didn’t want him to suffer,” the complaint detailed.
Officials, however, allege that Ruhland was uninjured and the victim was shot from behind.
“During the investigation, there was no evidence indicating [Ruhland] was in danger from [Emmick],” the complaint said, per KTIV. “The bullet wounds show [Emmick] was shot from behind while [Ruhland] was uninjured.”
A lone deputy arrived at a remote area of the acreage and discovered Emmick, who was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.
Ruhland had told family members she wanted a gun for protection, and said Emmick was going to teach her how to shoot, the filing alleged.
It’s unclear what type of relationship Ruhland and Emmick had.
Ruhland was booked into Plymouth County Jail and is being held without bond, cops said.
An investigation remains ongoing.
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