This blog post is dedicated to those in the real estate industry who, while performing their real estate duties, were killed or severely injured by worthless human beings. May they rest in peace and their families be comforted with their memories.
Real estate is sometimes a dangerous occupation…especially if you are alone in a model home in a new subdivision or showing properties to unknown prospects.
Given the wrong circumstances at the wrong time, it can be downright deadly. About 10 years ago, I recall a couple of agents in a new home subdivision in Acworth, Georgia who were at the model home and a man murdered both of them. He was convicted of the murders but I believe he still is alive today – lucky him but he didn’t give his victims a chance to live.
My hope and prayer is that this senseless killing stops. I also wish that builders install security cameras throughout the model homes so if something happens, they can get a better image for police to track those animals who perform these violent acts of crime. And agents need to be on the alert when single men stumble into the model home with nobody else around.
Inman News reported that in 2012 (the latest year for which figures are available), there were 50 workplace fatalities in the real estate industry subcategory. Source: http://www.inman.com/2014/04/28/real-estate-workplace-deaths-again-on-the-rise/
These cases are but a few and I could list more, but I plan to update this blog post when I encounter another case.
NEWS: Even though a Florida statute has been proposed to increase penalties for crimes against real estate professionals, is this the right thing to do to favor one group of people over another, or equal treatment under the law? I believe it is a knee jerk reaction to real estate professionals complaints. If anything at all, review the penalties for all crimes to see if they are commensurate of the crime.
Vigil scheduled to pay tribute to real estate brokers killed in Watertown shooting
Boy, 15, took a real estate agent hostage, robbed him at an ATM then shot him dead, police say
Former U.S. soldier turned mercenary nicknamed ‘RAMBO’ who arranged the contract killing of a real estate agent in the Philippines sentenced to life in prison
This is just sad…
Real estate agent dies in freak accident after being locked out on the balcony of his second-storey apartment
https://www.ksl.com/article/46471917/3-arrested-in-connection-with-death-of-south-jordan-man
In Wake of Real Estate Agent Killing, Man Hopes Training Will Help Protect Others In Industry
11-1-2018:
Real estate broker found shot to death in Mayfair. Police believe the gunman shot Martinez at least once in the head from inside the car, and say none of his belongings were taken from the scene.
11-7-2017: Seven real estate agents have been murdered between 2011 and 2015.
10-24-2017: Ok, Ok, – This is a story of an AGENT killing someone else – over chewing tobacco.
10-10-2017: Celebrated real estate professional found dead in her home. Very suspicious!
10-1-2017: Slain real estate broker’s marriage troubled.
10-1-2017: Real estate agent shot boyfriend ‘in self-defense.
9-29-2017: Case involving Oklahoma real estate agent who was run over in own driveway closed.
9-18-2017: ‘Some joke’: Owner says real estate broker laughed at shooter first.
8-11-2017: Real estate agent’s death investigated as homicide in northwest Oklahoma City. Police are investigating the death of Oklahoma City real estate agent Kent Potter as a homicide.
6-8-2017:
Post #1: Conviction stands in killing of Arkansas real estate agent.
Post #2: July Execution of Dallas Real Estate Agent’s Killer Halted.
5-19-2017: Man sentenced for life in prison (but is Eligible for parole in 20 years). Why not just execute him? Life for a life.
1-13-2017: Kingman man arrested in death of a missing real estate agent.
6-21-2016: Man found guilty of raping real estate agent. Well, it wasn’t a murder, but it was a major crime against a real estate agent.
6-14-2016: Police ask for help solving 36-year-old (1979) murder of real-estate agent.
5-17-2016: 2 men arrested in October shooting that killed real estate agent in San Jose.
3-22-2016: Real estate agent shot dead near home in Lapu in the Philippines. And yes, agents are murdered in other countries too.
Read more: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/89955/real-estate-agent-shot-dead-near-home-in-lapu#ixzz43dCDXHw5
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Update 11-4-2015: The Ashley Oakland murder in Des Moines, Iowa on April 8, 2011 “still” remains unsolved.
7-18-2015: Realtors taking huge steps to protect real estate agents
6-3-2015: St. Petersburg police searching for man who held two real estate agents at gunpoint . This didn’t result in a murder, but it’s a crime using a gun against a real estate agent – almost as bad!
2-28-2015: The killing of Vern Holbrook, owner of Aspen Real Estate, was premeditated by a man who started plotting to kill Holbrook after his plans to purchase Aspen Real Estate fell through.
2-8-2015: Just a warning to real estate agents… Safety Alert: More Agents Report Strange Calls
12-26-2014: Many Realtor organizations continue to develop training and precautionary warnings for realtor safety. Florida Realtors group released a new 75-minute safety video on Oct. 29 that covers self-protection and tips on avoiding harm. Source: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/12/26/3560201/after-killing-real-estate-agents.html
11-23-2014: Roswell, New Mexico police are investigating the death of a prominent real estate agent – David Duer.
10-5-2014: Just to show you how long this trend of murdering real estate agents has been going on is disclosed by the recent news of the murderer of real estate agent Dorothy Greene in Nevada back in 1989 has just died.
8-5-2014: Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Ohio Real Estate Agent The suspect pleaded guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson, and kidnapping in connection with Martin’s death on Sept. 20, 2010. The real crime here is that it took almost 4 years to nail this scumbag!
—Update 10-2-2014: One of the two killers sentenced to life without parole
—Update 10-1-2014: Should sentencing matter if the convicted murderer of Ohio agent was abused as a child and served in the Military?
—Update: 9-19-2014: Second suspect guilty of killing Youngstown real estate agent
Washington state – Earlier in 2014, 4 people were accused of fatally injuring a 78-year-old Yakima real estate agent while he was showing a home alone. Source: http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/jan/31/murder-charged-in-yakima-real-estate-agents-death/
Update: 10-31-2014: 3 sentenced for ambushing Yakima real estate agent
Iowa Real Estate Agent was murdered in a model home of a new home subdivision. Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/iowa-real-estate-agent-murdered-in-model-home/
Texas Murder of real estate agent in a model home in a new subdivision http://activerain.trulia.com/blogsview/2365016/the-murder-of-real-estate-agent-sarah-walker”