John Peterson has been indicted by a Scott County grand jury on one count of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Tabatha Justice at her former home in Jordan.

In announcing the indictment, Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar stated, “Peterson and Ms. Justice were more than acquaintances — and to resort to murder over any kind of dispute or misunderstanding is beyond awful. The facts of this case were carefully presented to the grand jury, which determined this charge is appropriate.”

On Jan. 28, 2025, Jordan police responded to a missing person report for an adult female, Tabatha Renee Justice. It was reported to law enforcement that Justice had not been seen in over a month, and she was last heard from on Dec. 10, 2024. Based on the report, police responded to her last known address on Quaker Avenue.

An officer arrived at the property, which appeared abandoned. The responding officer found Justice deceased in one of the outbuildings. Her body was stiff, frozen and had a gunshot wound to the back of her head. Law enforcement also found a spent 9mm bullet casing marked “AMMO INC 9mm LUGER” located near her body.

Detectives interviewed numerous friends of the deceased woman and learned that she had a relationship with a man known as “Nico.” One of Justice’s friends told her that “Nico” was very controlling, bi-polar and physically aggressive. According to their statements, “Nico” had accused the victim of infidelity and kicked her out of his home, after which he continued to stalk the victim. Further investigation revealed that “Nico” was John Peterson.

During a search of Peterson’s property, a silver Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun was located. Also located were several spent 9mm casings with the head stamp of “AMMO INC 9mm LUGER.”

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner reviewed the victim’s body and ruled the death as a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

“I’m extremely pleased with the grand jury’s decision to indict John Peterson for first-degree murder,” Jordan Chief Brett Empey said. “This is an important additional step towards gaining rightful justice for Tabitha, for her family and for her loved ones.”

Hocevar added: “Mr. Peterson will now face the consequences of his actions in intentionally causing the death of Tabatha Justice, and this office will remain strong in upholding the rule of law and delivering consequences for this brutal, ugly incident.”