Man charged with fatally shooting married couple in bar amid robbery was barred from possessing guns
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
ELKHORN, WISCON: An Elkhorn man has been charged by prosecutors in relation to the murders of a recently married couple at the Sports Page Bar on Feb 1.
Bartender Gina Weingart and her husband Emerson Weingart were fatally shot shortly after midnight.
Prosecutors highlight that Thomas Routt, who had been prohibited from owning firearms, allegedly acted out of a motive of robbery as per Wisn 12 news.
It's important to note that Routt has a criminal history dating back to 1995. Online court records indicate that, as a convicted felon, he is prohibited from owning firearms.
Further details regarding the shooting and the charges against Routt surfaced as the investigation continued.
What are the charges placed against Thomas Routt?
According to Fox News, Thomas Routt, 57 years old, is facing charges from the Elkhorn Police Department. These charges include first-degree intentional homicide, robbery, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in relation to the shooting deaths at the Sports Page Bar.
His initial court appearance took place on Friday afternoon, during which a cash bond of $2 million was set.
Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld commented during Routt's first court appearance, stating, "These are serious charges and serious conduct, and he caused a lot of harm and grief to our community."
Thomas Routt confessed to killing the newlywed couple
On February 4, around 3 am, Routt got stopped while driving, and officers found illegal items with him. He was taken to Walworth County Jail, as mentioned in the complaint as per jsonline.
According to a detective, on February 6, Routt wanted to talk to another detective. He admitted to having a gun at the bar and said he probably did it for money.
Routt also said Gina wanted him to put the gun away, or she'd call the police. He said Gina then slapped the gun, it went off, and she fell down.
The complaint says Routt confessed to shooting the man at the bar, taking $120-140 from the cash register, and shooting the man again. He also admitted to shooting at a witness who ran out of the bar.
Russell Jones, Routt's lawyer, said he hadn't seen Thomas's statements. He wasn't sure if they were legal.
Investigators stated that Routt disposed of the gun and bullets by throwing them into a dumpster at Handi-Mart in Lake Como. Subsequently, police discovered a 9mm handgun and bullets in the trash at Handi-Mart.
A worker at Handi-Mart, Harmon Handa, said he was surprised but happy they found something.
The Weingart family went to Routt's first court appearance. They asked the judge not to give him bail. They released a statement after the hearing. Jeff, Emerson's father, said they appreciated the love and support from Elkhorn and nearby communities. He said it showed there's still love in the world.
