An Elkhorn man has been convicted of a horrific crime that ended the lives of newlywed couple Gina and Emerson Weingart. Thomas Routt, 58, faces a life sentence after being found guilty on two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, among other charges, for the February 2024 shooting at Sports Page Bar.
According to WISN, on the night of the incident, Routt fatally shot the Weingarts during a robbery that netted a mere $140 from the bar's cash register. During his trial, bar owner Jordan Barr testified that Gina, who was not just a patron, but later an employee of the establishment, was on shift when the tragedy unfolded, and her husband Emerson had been keeping her company.
Furthermore, details from FOX6 News reveal that police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 12:15 a.m. on the day in question. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies and evidence of the violent robbery: spent shell casings, a stray bullet, and an empty cash drawer behind the bar. An additional victim present during the shooting provided a description of Routt, noting his age and activity at a video gaming machine before the attack.
The case took a significant turn when prosecutors presented a confession from Routt, alongside his detailed knowledge of the crime scene pointed out by Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld. "There are details that he talks about that law enforcement didn't give him. About the order of shots, about Emerson being on the phone at the time,” Wiedenfeld said, according to TMJ4. These insights reportedly played a crucial role in convincing the jury of Routt's guilt during the trial's closing arguments.
Routt's sentencing is scheduled for September 26, where he will likely receive a punitive measure reflecting the severity of his crimes.
