An Iowa woman has been charged with first-degree murder following a target practice incident where she fatally shot a man. Ashley Ruhland, 35, faces charges for allegedly killing Justin Emmick, 49, on his rural Plymouth County property.
Ruhland, of Sioux City, had been temporarily staying with Emmick on his remote 30-acre property, which is accessible only by all-terrain vehicles. Court documents indicate she also had a protection order against Emmick.
The incident occurred when the pair were engaged in target shooting. According to a complaint filed by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Ruhland allegedly fired at Emmick twice, striking him in the back and the head.
Ruhland contacted 911 to report the shooting, telling authorities she acted in self-defense. She reportedly made statements to law enforcement such as, “it’s got to be now, or it’s going to be me,” and “it was either him or me.”
However, investigators found no evidence that Ruhland was in danger. The complaint states that the bullet wounds indicate Emmick was shot from behind, and Ruhland was uninjured. A deputy arriving at the scene found Emmick, who was pronounced dead. Ruhland was booked into Plymouth County Jail and is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.