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Why Is Ann Gone? I Do Not Know... I Wish I Knew...

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Broker Associate

I have been exchanging e-mails with Robert Siciliano (Safety Expert, that works with Real Estate Agents) - since the murder of Ann Nelson, here in Wisconsin, about 20 miles from where I live... 

this is where I work...   sweet little Wisconsin, where all we worry about is cheese, beer, and snow...  and now this...

Robert sent me a warning e-mail.

I replied, telling him how much I appreciated it.

In his response, he told me someone complained...

       this person did not want to hear this stuff...

              this person doesn't want to talk about it... 

The following is an excerpt of my response to him:  (I hope you can get through it, I did a little editing)

"We mustn't stop talking about it!   This part gets a little touchy...

(I don't want to sound like I'm blaming the victim, because I don't, I blame the murderer!)   

The property she was showing him wasn't cheap  - why didn't she pre-qualify him better before she agreed to the appointment? ... ask him if he had a job? .... ask him who his lender is? (why make an appointment if the prospect hasn't even intiated a mortgage pre-approval)  what kind of story did he tell her?   I do not know - I wish I knew... 

why he was moving here- -he wasn't moving here - that could have put a stop to it, maybe? I do not know - I wish I knew... 

once she got there - why didn't she just run out the door when things got weird? 

did he grab her from behind - why didn't she reach down and grab his package?  why didn't she stomp his foot, or drop to her knees pulling him off balance?   if he grabbed her from the front - why didn't she grab his ears and bite his nose, or gouge his eyes or something??   I do not know - I wish I knew...  maybe,

SHE WAS A LOVING, POLITE, DIGNIFIED WOMAN!  

(Ladies don't do stuff like that, or even think about it)  

SHE (WE) NEVER THOUGHT IT COULD HAPPEN HERE,  

SHE (WE) NEVER BELIEVED ANYONE COULD REALLY BE SO EVIL, afterall, she was so Good

SHE (WE) NEVER REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT SHE (WE) WOULD DO IN SUCH A SITUATION, THEREFORE, WHEN IT CAME, SHE WAS (WE ARE) TOTALLY UNPREPARED.


That is why we have to talk about it...    the fact that it is so sad and so uncomfortable just reinforces the reason why this is so important.  

Criminals rely on regular peoples'  normalcy and decency - that is why they can take advantage... "     

Thank you for managing to get through this miserable post... PLEASE BE CAREFUL!   BE SAFE!

Comments (9)

Kim Sellers
Lake Arrowhead, CA Coldwell Banker - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead Realtor - BRE#01412099 - Lake Arrow
Laurie, I must have missed what happen.  Obviously she was murdered, where would I look at this story?  Yes, we need to shout from the top of the buildings, be extra cautious and take someone with you when you feel a little strange.
Mar 21, 2008 10:45 AM
Laurie Logan
Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Broker Associate - Madison, WI
South Central WI Real Estate

Thank you Pam, Thank you Kelly,

Mindy Allen posted a copy of the article: http://activerain.com/blogsview/432306/Man-Arrested-in-Real

I wrote a piece in memoriam: http://activerain.com/blogsview/433819/In-Memoriam-Ann-Nelson,

We are so easy going up here, we never thought it would happen here.

Mar 21, 2008 11:05 AM
Julie Jalone
MagnumOne Realty - Roseville, CA

The message may not be one we want to hear but need to!  Your points are well taken.  Unfortunatley too many agents in this slow market are doing things they would not consider two years ago.  Personal safety has to come first.  Thanks for posting this.

 Julie Jalone in Sacramento

Mar 21, 2008 12:53 PM
Laura Karambelas
Baird & Warner Downers Grove - Downers Grove, IL
Realtor - Downers Grove
Laurie- What a tragedy.  I am in Chicago, not too far from you.  I try to be as safe as possible, but sometimes when you have many appointments, running around, etc. you put your guard down.  We all need to be so careful out there!  My prayers go out to all of you!
Mar 21, 2008 01:21 PM
Laurie Logan
Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Broker Associate - Madison, WI
South Central WI Real Estate

Thank you Laura, Thank you Julie,

I know I go on some questionable appopintments myself (there, I said it).  We need to be on alert - keep in touch with people who can rescue us - never lead up stairs or down stairs - always be aware on an EXIT (even if it is the window), and above all, if that little alarm in our head goes off - RRUUUNNN!!!

Robert Siciliano, Safety Expert, is a great resource - and a terrific speaker/trainer: http://activerain.com/robertsiciliano.

Look him up when you have a chance.

Take care,  Be Safe...

Mar 21, 2008 01:35 PM
Obeoman Glade Jones
www.obeo.com - Salt Lake City, UT

 

Laurie,

Please accept my personal condolences for the whole RE/MAX Wisconsin family and the prayers and thoughts of those at my company who work with Realtors.

Anns' death was beyond tragic. Hers was one of over 200 Realtors who have died in the past years in similar situations.

Staying safe and being aware is a constant process - it is good to hear that the WRA and many others have responded with renewed energy to the task of keeping Relators informed, alert and safe.

May we all be able to help one another as we go forward,

Steve

 

 

Mar 22, 2008 01:28 PM
Laurie Logan
Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Broker Associate - Madison, WI
South Central WI Real Estate

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your warm regards and for your thoughtful comments.

We just can not be too careful.

Take care,  Laurie

Mar 22, 2008 05:15 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

We had a Realtor murdered here in February 2007. His Client killed him and then fled to Arizona. His wife is still a Realtor, but it's got to be hard on her. The trial for the killer started last week. Both the prosecurting and defending attorneys admit that he's guilty; they are fighting over guilty of what? Manslaughter or first degree murder. I'm sorry, but murder is murder.

Be careful. Let someone, anyone, know where you are going, with whom you are going, whom you are meeting, and how long you expect to be gone.

Sep 16, 2008 07:56 AM
Laurie Logan
Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Broker Associate - Madison, WI
South Central WI Real Estate

You are right,  Russel,

Murder is Murder.  Please be careful always,

Be Safe,      Laurie

Sep 16, 2008 02:49 PM