Plymouth County, Iowa — An Iowa woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say she fatally shot a man during a target practice session on a remote rural property before telling investigators she believed it was “either him or me.” Prosecutors, however, allege the physical evidence does not support her claim of self-defense.
Woman Charged After Fatal Shooting on Rural Property
According to the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Ashley Ruhland, 35, of Sioux City, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Justin Emmick, 49.
Investigators said the shooting occurred on Emmick’s 30-acre wooded property, which authorities described as being accessible only by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Ruhland had reportedly been temporarily staying on the property, despite also having a protection order against Emmick, according to court documents.
Authorities have not publicly explained the circumstances surrounding that arrangement.
Investigators Say Victim Was Shot From Behind
According to the criminal complaint, Ruhland and Emmick were target shooting in a remote area of the property when the incident occurred.
Prosecutors allege Ruhland fired two shots, striking Emmick once in the back and once in the head. After the shooting, Ruhland called 911, telling dispatchers that she had acted in self-defense.
Court documents state she made comments to investigators including:
- “It’s got to be now, or it’s going to be me.”
- “It was either him or me.”
- “I didn’t want him to suffer.”
Authorities, however, say their investigation produced a different picture. According to investigators, Emmick’s injuries indicate he was shot from behind, while Ruhland had no visible injuries.
The complaint further states that investigators found no evidence suggesting Ruhland was in immediate danger at the time of the shooting.
Deputy Found Victim at Remote Scene
A deputy responding to the emergency call traveled to the isolated section of the property, where Emmick was found suffering from gunshot wounds.
Authorities said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have continued processing evidence from the property as they work to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
Investigation Reveals Additional Details
According to court filings, Ruhland had previously told family members she wanted a firearm for protection, and investigators allege that Emmick had planned to teach her how to shoot.
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Officials have not disclosed the exact nature of the relationship between Ruhland and Emmick. Authorities also have not released information indicating whether anyone else witnessed the shooting.
Suspect Held Without Bond
Following her arrest, Ruhland was booked into the Plymouth County Jail, where she remains in custody without bond. The case is still under investigation, and prosecutors have not announced whether additional evidence or charges could emerge.
As the criminal proceedings move forward, the allegations against Ruhland remain unproven, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? How should investigators evaluate self-defense claims when the physical evidence appears to conflict with a suspect’s account? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
