JORDAN, Minn. — Authorities believe they have apprehended the individual responsible for the January shooting death of a woman whose body was discovered at an abandoned property south of the Twin Cities. The 41-year-old man was charged with second-degree murder following his arrest on unrelated charges in Le Sueur County.
The victim, Tabitha Renee Justice, 46, was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Jordan on Jan. 28. Earlier that day, she had been reported missing. Police records reveal that Justice had recently been living with a man identified only as “Nico” prior to their separation.
Friends described their relationship as turbulent, alleging that “Nico” was controlling and had a history of physical aggression. According to court documents, after Justice was expelled from his home, he would repeatedly locate and follow her.
In interviews with investigators conducted in February, the suspect claimed that he and Justice were “friends with benefits,” insisting that he last saw her two or three days before Christmas. He stated that he had taken a Greyhound bus to visit family shortly afterward. A witness mentioned that the suspect had returned to his parents’ home, waiting for the situation to “cool down.”
Details in the charges allege that the man exhibited a troubling lack of regard for Justice’s death during questioning, reportedly making jokes and deflecting blame onto a neighbor.
A search of a residence in Hovland in April led to the man’s arrest for probation violations. During this incident, he was seen clutching a backpack that contained a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun. Further investigation revealed that shell casings found in his luggage matched those found at the crime scene, and fingerprints on the firearm linked him directly to the weapon.
The property where Justice’s body was discovered is listed under Bobby & Steve’s Auto Shop, which reports indicate is currently being rented out.
Justice’s friends had begun a search for her prior to Christmas, concerned for her well-being. Ashlei Lambert, who had known Justice for over a decade, described her as a vibrant individual who relocated from Florida to Minnesota to be closer to her family. Lambert expressed her anguish over the circumstances surrounding Justice’s death.
“Knowing that she was shot and left behind like trash is heartbreaking,” Lambert said. “Her friends and family in Florida are all praying for justice.”
Jordan is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Authorities continue to investigate the case as they prepare for upcoming court proceedings.