JORDAN, Minn. — Authorities in Minnesota are investigating the tragic death of a woman found shot at an abandoned property, linking a 41-year-old man to her murder. Officials have charged the suspect with second-degree murder after he was apprehended on unrelated charges in Le Sueur County.
The victim, identified as 46-year-old Tabitha Renee Justice, was discovered on January 28 with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Earlier that day, she had been reported missing. The scene of the crime was located at a property on Quaker Avenue in Jordan, situated approximately 35 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
According to court documents, Justice had been in a tumultuous relationship with the suspect, known to her friends only as “Nico.” Witnesses indicated that he displayed controlling behavior and that their relationship had turned physical. Friends claimed Justice had recently been asked to leave his residence, leading to an escalating conflict.
In interviews conducted in February, the suspect described his relationship with Justice as merely a casual one, stating that their last encounter occurred a few days before Christmas. Following this, he reportedly traveled to Hovland, Minnesota, to spend time with family. Witnesses described his behavior following Justice’s disappearance as evasive and unemotional, with one claiming he often joked about the circumstances of her death rather than expressing grief.
After his arrest for probation violations in April, investigators uncovered crucial evidence linking him to the crime. A search of the suspect’s belongings revealed a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, and shell casings found in his luggage matched those recovered from the crime scene. Additionally, fingerprints located on the weapon’s grip further implicated him.
The property where Justice’s body was found is owned by Bobby & Steve’s Auto Shop, which has been reportedly leased to another party. A spokesperson for the business confirmed the rental arrangement but did not provide further details about the incident.
Friends of Justice have voiced their heartbreak and anger over her death. Ashlei Lambert, who knew Justice for over a decade, described her as a vibrant and loving individual who relocated from Florida to be closer to her family. Lambert stated that friends and supporters across Florida are demanding justice, expressing their shock over the brutality of Justice’s death and the circumstances surrounding her body being left behind.
The investigation continues as law enforcement seeks to gather more evidence and information about Justice’s final days. Community members are grappling with the loss, raising awareness about domestic violence issues and the importance of supporting victims in difficult situations.