HANSKA, Minn. — Authorities in Brown County and Nicollet County have launched a manhunt for 44-year-old Randy “Frank” Zimmerman of New Ulm, who is wanted in connection with a double homicide that occurred early Saturday morning in Hanska.

Officials say 50-year-old Justin Reinhardt and a 32-year-old woman were fatally shot inside a residence during the early morning hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025. The woman’s name has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.

According to law enforcement reports, a 911 call came in at approximately 4:22 a.m. from a juvenile inside the home, who reported that Zimmerman had broken into the residence and shot his mother. Responding officers arrived to find two victims deceased at the scene.

Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous

Authorities have identified Randy Zimmerman as the primary suspect and have issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert across southern Minnesota. Zimmerman is believed to have fled the area and is considered armed and dangerous.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) are actively coordinating efforts to locate the suspect. A regional manhunt is underway, with multiple agencies assisting in the search.

Officials are urging the public not to approach Zimmerman under any circumstances and to immediately report any sightings or information that could assist in his capture.

“This is a rapidly developing situation,” the Brown County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We are asking everyone in the area to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brown County Sheriff’s Office or call 911 immediately.

Incident Details

• Time of 911 call: 4:22 a.m. Saturday
• Location: Hanska, Minnesota, in Nicollet County
• Victims: 50-year-old Justin Reinhardt and a 32-year-old woman
• Caller: A juvenile who reported that the suspect, Randy Zimmerman, broke into the home and shot his mother
• Connection: Authorities confirmed Zimmerman had a previous relationship with one of the victims
• Status: Active manhunt; Zimmerman remains at large

Community in Shock

The news has shaken the small, tight-knit communities of Hanska and Courtland, where both victims were well known. Residents describe a wave of disbelief and sorrow sweeping through the region as word of the tragedy spread throughout the morning.

Neighbors say Reinhardt was a loyal friend and family man who was deeply respected and always willing to help others. The female victim, remembered as caring and kind, was a loving mother and a compassionate member of her community.

“It’s devastating,” one neighbor said. “These are good people — kind people. It’s hard to make sense of how something like this could happen here.”

The juvenile who made the 911 call has been placed in safe custody, officials confirmed. Grief counselors and crisis teams are being made available to support family members and others affected by the tragedy.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are working to piece together the timeline of events that led to the fatal shooting. Early reports suggest Zimmerman forcibly entered the residence before opening fire. The motive has not yet been released, but investigators have confirmed that Zimmerman previously had a relationship with one of the victims.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is assisting local law enforcement with forensic analysis, crime scene processing, and intelligence gathering.

As of Saturday evening, no additional injuries have been reported, and law enforcement continues to urge the public to avoid the area near the crime scene while the investigation remains active.

Public Safety Alert

Authorities are reminding residents in Brown, Nicollet, and Blue Earth Counties to remain alert, lock doors and vehicles, and report any suspicious activity. Zimmerman’s current whereabouts are unknown, and law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to locate him.

“If you see anything unusual — a vehicle, a person matching the description, or any movement near wooded or rural areas — please call 911 immediately,” officials said. “Do not attempt to approach or engage the suspect.”

A Community Grieves

In the aftermath of the tragedy, both Hanska and Courtland are coming together to support the families of the victims. Friends and neighbors are leaving tributes, lighting candles, and offering prayers for the lives lost and for the child who endured the unimaginable trauma of the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, many in the community say they are holding on to one another — united by grief, but also by determination to see justice served.

“Our hearts are with these families,” said one local resident. “We’ll stand together until the person responsible is found.”

Contact Information

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Randy “Frank” Zimmerman is urged to contact:

📞 Brown County Sheriff’s Office — (507) 233-6700
📞 Call 911 immediately if spotted
🚨 Do not approach the suspect

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.