Jurors see graphic bodycam footage, hear opening statements as Hamilton murder trial begins

By Dani McCulley

Opening statements began Thursday morning in the first-degree murder trial of Jacob Leigh Hamilton at the Black Hawk County Courthouse in Waterloo.

Hamilton is charged in connection with the July 14, 2024, shooting death of 35-year-old Zachary Drinovsky at the Wagon Wheel Apartments in Hudson.

During opening statements, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Israel Kodiaga told jurors that while Drinovsky had been drinking that evening and “should not have gone” to Hamilton’s apartment, “a poor decision does not mean a death sentence.”

The state outlined a timeline leading up to the shooting, telling jurors Drinovsky and his wife, Emily Drinovsky, were at The Hive bar in Hudson earlier that night. Prosecutors said Hamilton later assisted in escorting Emily Drinovsky from the bar during an altercation.

According to the state, Drinovsky later called his sister-in-law, Abbie Oglesbee, asking where Hamilton lived. Prosecutors said Oglesbee would testify she urged Drinovsky to go home, but while still on the phone with him and driving toward the apartment complex, she heard gunshots.

Kodiaga told jurors the defense would argue Hamilton acted in self-defense, but stated the physical evidence must support that account. Prosecutors argued that if the evidence does not match Hamilton’s version of events, the shooting constitutes first-degree murder.

Kodiaga also told jurors the state would present testimony from witnesses including Oglesbee, law enforcement officers, a firearms expert, blood evidence experts and a pathologist. Prosecutors additionally alleged Hamilton gave differing accounts of the shooting as investigators continued questioning him.

Defense attorney Konrad Kamizelich argued Hamilton acted in self-defense.

Kamizelich told jurors Hamilton had gone to The Hive after work before later returning home and falling asleep on his couch. According to the defense, Hamilton awoke to Drinovsky physically confronting him inside the apartment before the altercation moved outside.

The defense stated Hamilton then returned inside the apartment and realized his dog was still outdoors. Kamizelich made several statements regarding the distress that his dog, which he was very fond of and due to be euthanized in coming days, was placing on him at the time of the encounter.

Kamizelich told jurors Hamilton armed himself before returning outside because he knew Drinovsky was known to carry a firearm and feared for his life.

The defense also told jurors Hamilton attempted to render aid following the shooting and later cooperated with law enforcement.

“This is self-defense all day,” Kamizelich told jurors, arguing the state would fail to prove first-degree murder beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hudson Police Officer Tyler Sohm, the first officer to arrive on scene, testified he was dispatched at approximately 3:40 a.m. for a report of a male who had been shot.

Body camera and dash camera footage shown to jurors captured Sohm responding to the scene and attempting to provide aid to Drinovsky.

The footage showed Hamilton exiting the scene with his hands raised before being taken into custody. Sohm testified he recovered a firearm from Hamilton’s hip holster. On the video, Hamilton could be heard stating, “That’s not the gun I shot him with.”

Graphic body camera footage also showed Sohm attempting to locate Drinovsky’s wounds and provide medical assistance while Drinovsky repeatedly asked if he was going to die.

Sohm testified investigators recovered seven shell casings at the scene.

During cross-examination, defense attorneys questioned Sohm about the crime scene perimeter and the placement of shell casings near a garbage can used to secure crime scene tape. Body camera footage was played for jurors during questioning.

Jurors also heard testimony from Oglesbee, who worked at The Hive the night of the shooting.

Oglesbee testified Zach Drinovsky had already left the bar before Hamilton arrived later that evening. She also testified Hamilton helped escort Emily Drinovsky from the establishment following a verbal altercation.

Oglesbee told jurors Zach Drinovsky later called her asking where Hamilton lived and what kind of vehicle he drove. She testified she repeatedly told Drinovsky to go home before later hearing voices and gunshots while still connected on the phone call.

The trial is scheduled to continue Friday morning.