The prime suspect in this murder is actually his former business partner, who had been a person of interest since he disappeared -- but yeah, we have to be very cautious.
Also, my understanding is that the couple he had shown property to have been ruled out. However I have it on good authority that somebody had been upset with him because he had sold them property without advising on the zoning uses. These people relied on his advice, moved across the country to the property and then found out that they could not use it. Another bad idea.

Sid did not go to show a property - he met with his handiman, and had a disagreement about some stolen appliances and the handiman shot and killed him and dumped him in the desert.  The Handiman tried to kill himself about 6 months ago - he didn't succeed.  They put cuffs on him in a rehad center today and will be bringing him back here to Mohave County. 

The Handiman told the story that Sid had went to show a property - it was a lie.

Sid's family finally has closure.

All realtors should prescreen, protect your personal space alwasy and get trained and CARRY - cause it is not just your life you could save!

  Isn't Arizona an open-carry state?  Why would anyone, especially a Realtor, not be trained in the use of a firearm?

It very sad to see the repeat of Arkansas.

It's a good idea. Then again, I have never in 25 years run out alone to meet someone I don't know in a house by myself. That would take care of a lot of these problems.

I always make it a practice of meeting with new clients in my office first before taking anyone out.  I never take out a new client alone, I always have someone with me... I always give my daughter or my office the name and contact information I have for them (which I have already used) to reach them,  their licence plate, and where I will be with this client.

Just the thought of making a commission causes some to throw caution to the wind.

Jeff,

Heartbreaking story.  

Sad story. 

Jeff,

Thanks for the post, one must make sure the potential buyer is pre-approved and that the agent has spoken to the lender. No amount of money is worth the risk of someones life.

So sad. We all need to be very careful. 

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, a Vietnam era Veteran and ran a liquor store for twenty years.  I live in fear but don't allow it to dictate my life.  Things happen all the time.  We have no idea what lies beyond the corner.  Stories like this are like stories about a plane or car crash.  You can quit or take your chances.  How many Realtors made it home safely tonight.  God Bless this Realtor and his family but we go back to work tomorrow.

This is just a reminder to all of us that we all need a safety plan in place, I like Gloria's comment.

I'm glad Candice A. Donofrio gives us more on the story BUT it's important for us guys to realize that not all assaults on agents are sexual assaults against women agents.

Very sad story.  

It's certainly a sad story and another wake-up call about being safe and using common sense, male OR female

Jeff Pearl - isn't it sad?

It is too bad most learn by hard knocks.

Never do this. If you haven't met the client before, arrange to meet them in the brokerage - and introduce them to several people prior to showing property.  How very, very sad.

As a hiker who's done solo hikes and second date hikes, I know the value of filing a hiking plan with a buddy.  Where you are going, the route you plan on taking and the estimated return time.  I do the same when showing property.  I inform my broker where I'll be, who I'm with (even if all I have is a name and number) and when I expect to be done.  I also have training and take precautions.

Newbie need to know about this.  Thanks for getting the word out.

In today's society you can never be too careful!

OMG... that's in my Arizona. I always wondered what took place, and where this case was at. How sad this is... thank you for sharing. Yes, lets all practice safety first.

Very Very Very sad!  In spite of the risks and warnings, many  REALTORS® often leave themselves vulnerable.  We can not stress enough how important it is to take EVERY possible precaution.   I'm still dumbfounded there aren't more policy precautions in place before showing property. 

There exists no such thing as 100% safe.

Even with Sasquatch present, bad things can happen, and I know that.

I just try to make bad not happen today. Should anarchy occur again, I trust the volume of my life story, the lives I have touched, inspires others for years to come.

Newbies need to be trained on how to do Buyer Consultations which is the first step in working with Buyers !(before you pour hrs. into a unqualified consumer).

that's a horrible story.... 

Scary

Candice A. Donofrio  nailed this one!

I would take precautions but not let fear hold me back.  

It is very tragic...

My deepest condolences and prayers to the family....

How can one truly pre-screen?  Are you going to run a criminal background check and credit check on a person?  Would love to have everyone run by FBI first, but it isn't plausible; is it?  

It can be a very ugly world out there. 

I have heard that sad story before...

I think most of us have probably done the same at some point. This is another reminder to be careful.

Big reason I carry a weapon and I am careful as not to turn my cack on anyone and I keep an eye on my exits.

Such a sad story - I'm curious how this will pan out with his partner...guilty or not?

So sorry to hear this, we stopped and visited an Active Rain member ( Elise Harron ) in that area a few years ago, I wonder if she knew him.  Good to know that she carries plenty of protection.

This is not a story I enjoy reading..heartbreaking and so unnecessary.

Thanks for the udpate and the safety advice

If you don't have a safety concern along with a plan an impromptu showing like this is similar to playing Russian roulette. Being anxious for a sale is one thing but being careless with your life is unacceptable. Too many others are depending on you!

Jeff Pearl No one is safe in this business. We have to be vigilant.

I remember when this happened.  Terrible.

That is really horrible. Hopefully the person or persons are caught.

SO sad and preventable. I never meet strangers at strange homes. Even when precautions are used, it can still be scary, which is why protection and bringing a 2nd person is a must

Tragic story ... 

Personal safety should always be a priority consideration.

I am so sad and confused about this.

I do believe that vetting is a good practice.  It does not appear the accused in this case was client or real estate related.  

You never know when the bell will toll for thee...

By the way, there about ten REALTORS murdered every year so your odds are pretty good. The majority of those are in property management (my field). Be safe, but don't blow it out of proportion.

It's why I am CCW certified

Sad event. Another great argument for open carry

Actually, what Candice A. Donofrio said, although I agree personal safety should absolutely come first.

Last year, I had a sign call on a vacant listing;  the person calling was affable, we had a great conversation but I could still feel something was "off" and when he balked at meeting me at the office before seeing the property (when the property was 10 minutes from the office), I said, okay, well, good luck with your search. 

We must have safety standards in place for ourselves and stick to them.  We are the only ones who can truly protect ourselves.

Very sad. This is just a reminder and wake up call to be alert and cautious all the time.  Unfamiliar clients should be prescreened.

mystery  solved?

So sad, we really need some rules

This was very sad, and made an announcement today at our Association for all to hear.   We have to be so careful!   

I hadn't heard this story yet. What a shame. 

Common sense just doesn't seem so common anymore... and I am not talking about the tragic death of Sid.  For any Realtor to meet an unknown buyer/tenant outside of a well lit public area that has a lot of people in it is a recipe for potential disaster.  The office is the preferred place to meet, but it isn't always feasible, but a Starbucks or some other public place would be the place to meet.  Before you go out just ask yourself, would you let your wife/husband/kids go do the same thing?