Columbus real estate agent Herta Bailey was murdered by a tenant that came to her office to discuss a possible eviction. The meeting was scheduled for after hours and it looks like they were the only ones in the office.
Folks, you as real estate agents are targets if you do not follow some basic safety precautions. It is very easy to get lulled into a false sense of security after doing things for a long time. But especially dealing with problem clients it is imperative to be in a public place or have people knowing exactly where you are.
Herta Bailey had a record of who she was meeting that led to the assailants arrest but that is still not enough.
RIP Herta Bailey, hopefully you can be a lesson to others and save their lives.
Monday evening, police say the man met with Bailey in her office on Whitesville Road to discuss an eviction because he was behind on his rent. Investigators say during the meeting Powell struck Bailey and strangled her to death. Then, he allegedly dumped her body in the trunk of her car — taking some of her personal belongings, including some credit cards, which he used to pay two utility bills.
The following morning, co-workers found blood stains in the carpet at the office and became suspicious and notified police when she did not show up for an 8:00 a.m. appointment. Later that morning, police set up a surveillance camera outside Powell’s residence on Pineneedle Drive. Around 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Powell arrived and was arrested.
While in custody, Powell revealed to investigators the location of Bailey’s body. Muscogee County Coroner, Bill Thrower, says her body was discovered in the trunk of her car on 51st Street in Columbus around 9:40 p.m. Tuesday. via WTVM.com
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As a real estate broker, I am very disturbed by this. More and more reports of real estate agents being murdered and assaulted are surfacing. I have personally taken more precautions such as having another agent with me at open houses. Besides the safety issue, there is also the issue of elevated anger and contempt for real estate agents. How can we make this better?
My heart goes out to the family of Herta.
All my sympathy to Herta´s family.
This situation sadly remind us to always be careful, whatever the situation is. Thanks
Unfortunate and truly sad situation, Best wishes to the family
Herta sold me my first home and shared that exciting experience with me. She even invited me over to her house for dinners and really becamse more of a friend than just an agent. I have been in the middle east for the last two years and this is the first I have heard of this. I wondered why her calls and lovely cards wishing me me well had stopped and kept meaning to ask after her when I called home.
She was a lovely woman and this is a real tragedy.