The quiet Sunday air in the rural areas between Hanska and Courtland was shattered by a devastating discovery late Friday night: 22‑year‑old Justin Reinhardt and his girlfriend were found dead in what officials are treating as a double homicide. The couple, described by friends and family as inseparable, kindhearted, and full of promise, were discovered in Justin’s home outside Hanska. The shock of the news rippled across the tight‑knit communities of southern Minnesota, where such violence is virtually unheard of.
Justin had been a fixture of his community—a dependable presence with a warm smile and steady demeanor. He volunteered at the local youth sports league and helped with his family’s farm when needed. To friends, he was someone you could count on, someone who would stop whatever he was doing to help a neighbor or lend a thoughtful ear. He and his girlfriend, together for two years, had plans—plans to build a life rooted in love, shared laughter, and the simple comforts of small‑town life.
His girlfriend, whose name remains withheld at the family’s request, is being remembered as gentle but strong, the type of person whose kindness extended outward in quiet ways. She worked at the local florist shop in Courtland, bringing sunshine to customers with her thoughtful arrangements and warm conversation. Those who knew her say she had a smile that brightened the room and an empathy that made her a friend to anyone who needed one.
In the aftermath of the killings, the small communities of Hanska and Courtland have come together in collective grief. Neighbors gather on front porches, sharing memories—Justin’s laugh, her compassion, the way they looked at each other like life was theirs to make. Candlelight vigils are being arranged, the social‑media tributes multiplied: “Justin always stopped to ask how I was doing,” one post reads. “You left too soon,” writes another. The pain hangs heavy in the air.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the case. A “Be On the Lookout” alert has been issued for 34‑year‑old Randy Zimmerman of Courtland, who is considered a person of interest in the investigation. Agencies from Nicollet County and surrounding jurisdictions are coordinating efforts and asking residents to remain vigilant. Authorities are urging the public not to spread rumors and to report credible information only through official channels.
Meanwhile, the families of both Justin and his girlfriend are planning memorial services. One friend said, “They were building something beautiful.” Friends are compiling photo boards, sharing their favorite memories, and collecting messages of sympathy. The local high school band announced it will play a tribute during this week’s home‑game halftime, because, as one organizer put it, “They mattered to our whole community.”
For now, the small towns of Hanska and Courtland remain on edge—searching for closure, struggling with the senselessness of the violence, and coming together to support each other. In the face of hemorrhaged grief, what’s clear is that Justin and his girlfriend left a legacy of caring, companionship, and community. They will not be forgotten.
