Man receives life sentence for fatal shooting of couple at Elkhorn bar

Thomas Routt, a 58-year-old man, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for fatally shooting a married couple at the Sports Page Bar in Elkhorn. On February 1, 2024, Routt entered the establishment and confronted Gina Weingart, who was working behind the bar, along with her husband Emerson and another female customer.

According to Routt's statement to police, he claimed that Gina threatened to call authorities if he didn't put away his weapon. He alleged that when she slapped the gun, it accidentally fired and hit her.

However, the criminal complaint shows that Routt then intentionally shot Emerson and chased the other patron while firing at her as she tried to escape. Following the incident, Routt attempted to get rid of the gun and bullets at a nearby gas station, but detectives later found the weapons in a dumpster. Police arrested him three days after the shooting.

During his June trial, Routt was convicted of several serious charges, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. At the time of the shooting, he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal background and active supervision.