A 58-year-old man in Wisconsin has been convicted for the brutal killings of a newlywed couple, Gina and Emerson Weingart, at a local bar. The murder took place in February 2024 at the Sports Page Barr in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, where Gina Weingart was working as a bartender.
Thomas Routt, the man responsible for the killings, now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.
The Conviction of Thomas Routt
A jury in Walworth County deliberated for less than three hours before finding Thomas Routt guilty of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Routt was also convicted of possession of methamphetamine. The verdict came after prosecutors presented a detailed case, including a confession from Routt with specific details only the killer could have known.
Routt is set to return to court on September 26, where he could be sentenced to life in prison. His defense team argued that his confession was coerced, claiming that he suffered a psychological breakdown following a traumatic interrogation. Despite this defense, the jury found the evidence against him overwhelming.
The Events Leading to the Murder
On the night of February 1, 2024, a 911 call alerted authorities to a shooting at the Sports Page Barr in Elkhorn. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Gina, 37, and Emerson, 33, both of whom had suffered gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the police, there was only one eyewitness present at the bar when the shooting occurred. The witness reported that Routt had entered the bar earlier in the evening, playing gaming machines.
After about 30 minutes, the witness, the Weingarts, and Routt were the only ones left in the bar. Routt then pulled out a handgun, pointed it at Gina, and ordered everyone not to move.
The witness said they tried to leave but were threatened by Routt, who aimed the gun at them. Routt then allegedly fired at Gina, killing her, and the witness fled the scene, immediately calling 911 for help. As the witness ran outside, Routt followed, firing several more shots at the fleeing witness.
Routt’s Arrest and Confession
Authorities were able to arrest Routt on February 5, 2024, after a traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine in his possession. While in detention, Routt reportedly told investigators that he wanted to speak with them about the Elkhorn homicides.
In his confession, he provided specific details about the crime scene, including the order of shots and the fact that Emerson had been on the phone at the time, information that had not been disclosed to the public.
Prosecutors argue that this confession was crucial in securing Routt’s conviction, as it provided evidence that only the person responsible for the killings could have known.
Thomas Routt’s conviction for the murders of Gina and Emerson Weingart brings some justice to their families, though it is unlikely to heal the deep pain caused by the tragic loss of these two young lives.
Routt’s actions on that fateful night at the bar have left a lasting impact on the community and will likely result in him spending the rest of his life in prison.
