Man Accused in Florida Real Estate Agent's Death Claims Self-Defense

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-09-06

A South Florida man charged in the fatal shooting of real estate agent Sara Trost argued in court that he acted in self-defense after an alleged threat.

A South Florida man accused of fatally shooting real estate agent Sara Trost asserted a self-defense claim during a court hearing, alleging that the victim threatened him moments before the fatal shooting occurred.

Raymond Reese, who faces murder charges in connection with the 2021 shooting in Coral Springs, Florida, testified that he felt threatened during an interaction with Trost. Trost was sitting inside her parked vehicle outside a residential property where she was waiting to conduct a scheduled property showing for prospective buyers.

Defense attorneys submitted motions arguing that Reese acted in accordance with state self-defense statutes, claiming that Trost initiated a verbal confrontation that escalated the situation. Defense counsel maintained that the defendant believed he was in immediate danger of bodily harm when he fired his weapon.

State prosecutors rejected the self-defense assertion, presenting evidence that Trost was unarmed and merely carrying out her routine professional duties as a licensed real estate professional. Investigators noted that Trost suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

Police arrested Reese shortly after the incident took place in the residential neighborhood. The judge presiding over the hearing heard testimony from law enforcement officers and forensic experts before taking the defense motion under advisement. A formal decision on whether to grant immunity or proceed to trial is pending.