Man found guilty of killing newlyweds inside Elkhorn bar sentenced to life in prison

WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The man who shot and killed a newlywed couple at an Elkhorn bar last February learned his fate in court Friday, Sept. 26. 

In June, a jury found 58-year-old Thomas Routt found guilty; now, he will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole. 

Routt was facing six charges, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide after he was involved in an armed robbery on Feb. 1, 2024. 

Routt shot and killed Gina Weingart at the Sports Page Bar where she bartended, and her husband, Emerson, who was there keeping her company during her shift.

He also shot at a third person who was inside the bar, but she wasn't hit. 

During the sentencing, Emerson's father, Jeff, shared an emotional statement with the court, noting that he received a call from his son before he died. 

"At the trial, I learned that despite having been shot four times, he was still alive and reaching out to me for help. Forever, I'll suffer knowing I could not have helped him," Weingart said. "I want you to know the agony of waiting for God's judgment. Make no mistake, it will come."

Walworth County Circuit Court Judge Kristine Drettwan also gave Routt the opportunity to speak, but he only uttered two words: "not guilty."

“I understand that the one thing you’ve said to the court today was 'not guilty,' but it’s telling to the court that you show no emotion," the judge responded.