[Editor’s note: This article contains disturbing language.]
Interview transcripts from the man accused of abducting and killing Realtor Beverly Carter show just what level of depravity these professionals may face on any given day.
For Beverly Carter, a 50-year-old mother of three who told her husband that she was going to show a house to a potential buyer before she vanished, that supreme depravity came in the form of Arron Michael Lewis.
According to interview transcripts with police, presented as part of pre-trial proceedings and recapped in detail on Arkansas Online, Lewis selected Carter from an Internet ad, based on the fact that she worked alone. According to The Courier Online, the trial is scheduled to begin January 12.
Upon meeting Carter at a house under the guise of being a potential buyer, Lewis allegedly told Carter “You’re about to have a very bad day,” before subduing her and binding her with green duct tape.
Also presented in the transcripts is a voicemail left by Beverly on the phone of her husband Carl Carter, played by Lewis for police from a recording on his phone.
In it, she is asking her husband to comply with Lewis’ ransom demands for money without involving police.
“Carl, it’s Beverly. I just want to let you know I’m OK. I haven’t been hurt. Just do what he says and please don’t call the police,” Beverly Carter’s voice said in the recording. “If you call the police, it could be bad. Just want you to know that I love you very much.”
During questioning, Lewis repeatedly told detectives time was running out for the kidnapped Realtor.
“Are you guaranteeing me this woman’s alive?” asked sheriff’s Investigator Jeff Allison.
“Depending on how long it takes,” Lewis said. “How long can a person survive without food and water since yesterday? You’ll figure it out.”
Lewis also delighted in the media attention his actions received, he told police.
Carter’s body was eventually recovered from a cement mixer on the grounds of a concrete company where Lewis was formerly employed.
Lewis is currently on pretrial for the kidnapping and murder of Beverly Carter.
In light of incidents like this, the National Association of Realtors reminds those working in housing that open houses can be a great sales tool—but hosting one also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Here is a link to a list of other safety tips Realtors can follow.
