If you have not already heard a couple of REALTOR Members of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS were victims of crime commited by 3 white males between the ages of 20-30 starting last Thursday.
One of my members went to show a vacant apartment where upon arriving she was held at gunpoint for over an hour by 3 males. These males wanted money but she did not have any on her. They did talk about killing her but must have been scared off by people in the area so they left the property. She was not harmed physically. She is so very very lucky.
Then on Monday, this week, a member broker was called to show a vacant house on the city's Eastside. This member, Vivian Martin, age 67, was found in the house unrecognizable at the time. We have now been informed that Vivian's neck was broken and that she was set on fire.
Later I heard about the REALTOR in Portage County found dead in a vacant home.
The good news is that all 3 males have been apprehended. Investigation is ongoing though to see if they are tied in to the Portage murder.
I want to thank those of you that have contacted me personally expressing your concern and offers to help in any way.
I sent out blast emails to my members during the last few days first when the holdup occurred last week, advising members to be on the alert for a male saying he was from out of town calling to see vacant house who could not leave a call back number because he said his call phone was broken.
These males were in several of my members' open houses this past weekend but did not have the opportunity to do harm to the REALTORS holding these open houses.
One of the 3 males would show up at an open house, say they had to go get food for someone in their car, ask when the open house was over, then ask the REALTOR if they would stay until he could get back. Then he came back at the end of the open house with the other 2 males.
Please stress to all your members to think and practice safety at all times. This is a wake up call for everyone!!!
Sharyn Braunstein
Chief Executive Officer
Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS®
5405 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512
Sbrauns816@aol.com
330-788-7026
330-788-4329 Fax
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