6 Shocking Real Estate Agent Murders That Exposed The Industry's Hidden Dangers

The inherent risk of a real estate career—meeting strangers in isolated properties—has been tragically underscored by a series of high-profile murders, including a shocking case from late 2024 that brought the issue of agent safety back into the global spotlight. This article, updated in December 2025, delves into the most compelling and recent cases of real estate agents killed while on the job, and provides a critical look at the industry's evolving safety standards.

The danger is not just a theoretical threat; it is a grim reality reflected in statistics. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) consistently reports that a significant percentage of agents have experienced situations that made them fear for their personal safety. The brutal murder of a Markham real estate agent in 2024 serves as a chilling reminder that vigilance and strict safety protocols are not optional, but essential for survival in this profession.

The Tragic Case of Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui: Biography and Timeline

The murder of Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui is one of the most disturbing recent cases to shake the real estate community. Her disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her remains exposed a complex and targeted crime.

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Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui: Profile at a Glance

• Name: Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui
• Age: 46 years old
• Profession: Real Estate Agent
• Location: Markham, Ontario, Canada (Greater Toronto Area)
• Date of Disappearance: August 2024 (Exact date not widely publicized, but her disappearance led to the discovery of her body in August)
• Date Remains Found: August 12, 2024
• Location Remains Found: Parry Sound, Ontario (a remote cottage country area)
• Cause of Death: Homicide (specific details withheld due to ongoing investigation)

Anita Mui was a working professional in the highly competitive Markham real estate market. Her disappearance was initially reported to York Regional Police, who launched a missing person investigation.

The case took a horrific turn when "burned human remains" were discovered in a remote area near Parry Sound, a location far north of her home base in the Greater Toronto Area. These remains were later positively identified as Anita Mui.

Police quickly classified the case as a targeted homicide, not a random act of violence. The complexity of the crime was evident in the multiple arrests that followed, indicating a conspiracy or group involvement. A Canada-wide warrant was issued for a prime suspect, Zhixiong Marko Hu, 47, of Markham, in connection with the murder.

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The Dark Side of Showings: High-Profile Cases of Realtors Lured to Their Deaths

While the Anita Mui case is fresh, it joins a list of other devastating murders that highlight the specific vulnerabilities of the real estate profession, particularly during property showings and open houses.

The Kidnapping and Murder of Monique Baugh (2019)

Monique Baugh, a 28-year-old agent with Kris Lindahl Real Estate in Minnesota, was a victim of a twisted revenge plot. On New Year's Eve 2019, she was lured to a vacant home in Maple Grove, Minnesota, under the pretense of a showing. She was then kidnapped and later murdered.

The investigation revealed that the crime was orchestrated by a man who had a personal grudge against Baugh’s boyfriend, making her an unsuspecting target in a brutal act of vengeance. Multiple individuals, including Elsa E. Segura and the mastermind Lyndon Wiggins, were convicted in the plot, exposing the chilling reality of agents being used as pawns in criminal schemes.

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The Brutal Model Home Killings (2003)

In a case that shocked Georgia, real estate agents Cyndi Williams, 33, and Lori Brown, 21, were murdered at a model home in 2003. The killer, Samuel Humphreys, lured them to the isolated location, forced them to strip, and demanded their ATM PINs before killing them. This case became a grim symbol of the vulnerability agents face when working alone in new construction or vacant properties, which are often isolated and lack security infrastructure.

The Disappearance of Ana Walshe (2023)

While the circumstances differ, the case of Ana Walshe, a real estate agent who immigrated from Serbia, also captured national attention. She was last seen on New Year's Day 2023 at her home in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Her husband, Brian Walshe, was ultimately convicted of her killing. While not a crime committed by a client during a showing, the case underscores the tragic reality that real estate professionals, like any other person, can be victims of domestic violence, with their high-profile careers often adding another layer of public scrutiny to their private lives.

Essential Safety Protocols: 10 Ways to Minimize Risk in Real Estate

The tragic deaths of agents like Anita Mui and Monique Baugh have forced the industry to overhaul its approach to safety. The NAR Safety Report highlights that nearly two-thirds of agents have experienced a situation that made them fear for their safety, making proactive measures non-negotiable. Implementing robust safety protocols, both personal and at the brokerage level, is crucial.

1. Always Vet New Clients

Never meet an unknown client alone without first verifying their identity. Insist on meeting at your office or a public place for the initial consultation. Get a copy of their driver's license or a clear photo of their ID before scheduling a private showing.

2. Share Your Location and Itinerary

Use a location-sharing app (like Life360 or similar) with a trusted colleague, friend, or family member. Before every showing or open house, send a text or email to your supervisor or a colleague detailing the address, the client's name, and the expected duration.

3. Establish a Code Word System

Create a non-obvious code word or phrase to use in a text message or phone call that signals to your contact that you are in danger and need police assistance immediately. For example, "I think I left my blue folder at the office" could be your distress signal.

4. Control the Showing Environment

Always let the client walk ahead of you during a showing. This prevents you from being cornered in a room and keeps you in a position to monitor their movements. Avoid basements, attics, and small, enclosed spaces.

5. Work in Pairs for Open Houses

Open houses are high-risk situations. If possible, never host an open house alone. Work with a partner, especially in unfamiliar or isolated neighborhoods.

6. Protect Personal Information

Do not use your personal vehicle for client transportation and avoid sharing excessive personal details about your home life, family, or routines. Limit the jewelry and expensive items you wear that could make you a target.

7. Avoid Late-Night Showings

The risk of crime increases significantly after dark. Avoid showing properties when it is dark outside or close to being dark. If you must work after hours, ensure your supervisor is fully aware of your schedule.

8. Carry a Personal Safety Device

Invest in a loud personal alarm or a discreet self-defense tool (where legally permissible). Know how to use it and keep it easily accessible at all times, not buried in a purse.

9. Trust Your Instincts

If a client or a situation feels wrong, a "gut feeling," immediately terminate the showing. Your safety is more important than a potential commission. You can always politely excuse yourself by saying you have another urgent appointment.

10. Brokerage Accountability

Agents should demand that their brokerage has standard, enforced safety procedures and provides regular safety training. Only 53% of residential members report that their brokerage has such procedures, a statistic that needs urgent improvement across the industry.