Safety first
Last month was Realtor safety month and our members were well supplied with reminders and classes to learn self-defense and safety. The murder of Arkansas Realtor Beverly Carter was just a year ago. Now as another reminder comes news that Bill James, the lawyer for Carter’s accused killer Arron Michael Lewis, 34, announced in court last week that Lewis will plead insanity even though state doctors have examined him twice and determined he is mentally sound. Lewis’ trial is set to begin in January, and prosecutors are seeking a life sentence.
Carter was reported missing Sept. 25, 2014, after showing a vacant foreclosure to a supposed prospective buyer in Scott, Ark. After days of searches, her body was found in a shallow grave near a cement facility about 20 miles away. At the time, police said Lewis admitted targeting Carter because she was wealthy and a woman who worked alone. Many presume that Realtors are wealthy because clients expect us to dress appropriately and to own (or make payments on) reliable, presentable transportation. As written here before the average agent makes less than $40,000 a year, hardly what normal people would consider rich, yet hardly evidence that James is insane. More often than not, we work alone.
Lewis’ wife, Crystal Hope Lowery, was also arrested in connection to Carter’s death and has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. In July, she accepted a 30-year prison sentence in exchange for a promise to testify against Lewis at his trial. Lowery was accused of helping Lewis plan Carter’s kidnapping and disposing of her body, according to court documents. Prosecutors also allege that Lewis abducted Carter with the intention to hold her for ransom. Lewis is scheduled to stand trial in January over Carter’s death. The 50-year-old married mother of three disappeared in September 2014 after telling her husband she was going to show a Scott home to a client.
The house was empty when Carter’s husband arrived to check on her 3½ hours after he last heard from her. Carter’s 2014 Cadillac, with her purse inside, was still parked at the house. Her body, bound with duct tape, was found four days later buried behind the concrete plant in Cabot where Lewis worked.
Lewis, already in custody and accused of kidnapping Carter, was charged with capital murder that same day. His defense attorney has moved to block Carter’s now ex-wife’s testimony.
No matter the outcome of the trial Beverly Carter is gone. We can only implore our members to remain vigilant as they ply their trade and make sure to have a method to communicate an emergency. Many brokers already have systems in place to collect identification in advance of showing properties to new customers. Some have codes to call or text into the office to alert others that something is amiss.
Nothing can be better though than being prepared by knowing how to defend oneself. Once your phone has been taken from you it is too late to call or text a code. Better that we are trained to prevent that cell phone from being taken in the first place.
Every year, even in quaint North Idaho, we receive alerts of suspicious people contacting Realtors with unusual requests to see properties. Bad things can happen here and we best be prepared. Just two classes at the association offices cannot begin to educate the 1,000 plus agent members of our organization. Those who were unable to attend the September sessions will be well served to find and attend one of the many classes offered regularly by specialists in our community. Seek them out and learn how to protect yourself.
Trust an expert…call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.
Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664.