Former Iowa emergency manager sentenced for girlfriend’s murder | Crime

The former Johnson County, Iowa Emergency Management Coordinator was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Thomas Hansen, 72, was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Sheron Gerot.

KCRG reports the couple had argued as Gerot mowed the lawn at the home they shared in May 2011.  Hansen testified the shooting was an accident; that he meant for the shot he fired to scare Gerot but instead he shot her in the head.

Hansen must serve at least 35 years of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.  Hansen was also ordered to pay $150,000 to Gerot’s estate.