Longtime real estate agent found dead in basement prompts homicide investigation

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - Authorities in Indiana are investigating the death of a longtime real estate agent.

According to the Evansville Police Department, a woman was found dead in her basement in the 3300 block of East Gum Street in Evansville on Aug. 27.

The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office later identified her as Susan Haynie.

Evansville police said they are investigating Haynie’s death as a homicide.

“When we go into a death investigation, we investigate it as if it were a crime. And we continue that investigation until we’re proven otherwise,” EPD Sgt. Anthony Aussieker said. “In this instance, evidence was found that led us to believe that it is, in fact, a homicide.”

Police say a person of interest has also been identified and arrested on unrelated charges.

“We don’t label someone a person of interest without a reason, so that means they are going to be investigated further,” Aussieker said.

Authorities said Haynie was found that day “beyond life-saving efforts” and died at the scene.

Residents shared that they live in a quiet neighborhood and were shocked to hear of something like this happening.

“The neighborhood is very quiet and very friendly, people know each other and they try to help each other,” Tonya Dunn, a neighbor of Haynie, said. “So it was a shock for us to hear that something bad happened to her. Absolutely not typical for this place.”

Police said there are still a lot of details they aren’t ready to release yet.

“This is not just simply a death investigation,” Aussieker said. “There is more information here, there is more of a story to be told.”

While Dunn says she didn’t know her very well, she says Haynie will be missed.

“Life is going on in this neighborhood, but we will remember her as a nice, friendly person,” she said.

Authorities said an autopsy was conducted with results pending.

Haynie’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She was a member of Team McClintock at the F.C. Tucker real estate firm in Indiana.

The company released the following statement after her death:

“Susan Haynie was a cherished member of the F.C. Tucker Emge family since 2007, proudly serving as part of Team McClintock. Throughout her remarkable career, she guided more than 2,000 families in buying and selling their homes. Susan’s professionalism, patience, and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

As a colleague and friend, she embodied the values of showing up, checking in, working hard, listening well, and caring deeply. Her loss is profoundly felt, and the Tucker family will miss her dearly. We look forward to honoring and celebrating her life on Thursday."