Woman Charged in Iowa Shooting Death | Birmingham News

Birmingham AL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 4, 2026 · 1m

A shocking murder in Plymouth County, Iowa: 35-year-old Ashley Ruhland is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting 49-year-old Justin Emmick twice — once in the back, once in the head — during a target practice session on ATV-only terrain. Despite claiming self-defense and saying “it was either him or me,” investigators found no evidence she was in danger, and she was reportedly staying with him despite having a protection order against him. The motive and nature of their relationship remain unclear as the investigation continues. Ruhland is jailed without bond, with her next…