A Kentucky man has been sentenced to prison after violently attacking a real estate agent during a house showing near Louisville. Authorities say the accused not only assaulted the elderly agent but also forced him to prepare documents to transfer ownership of the property.
The shocking case ended with the victim escaping the house injured and running directly to the sheriff’s office for help.
Kentucky Man Sentenced for Attacking Real Estate Agent
Keith Rowe, 71, pleaded guilty on Friday to multiple criminal charges linked to the disturbing incident. According to court records, Rowe admitted to charges including:
- Robbery
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Terroristic threatening
- Assault
After pleading guilty, the court sentenced him to 15 years in prison. The sentence also includes five years of probation and six months of home incarceration after his release from custody.
Attack Happened During House Showing
The incident took place on June 18, 2025, in Falls of Rough, Kentucky, a small community located southwest of Louisville.
Authorities said the elderly real estate agent was showing a lake house valued at around $225,000 when Rowe suddenly attacked him.
Investigators say Rowe locked the victim inside the home and demanded that the property be signed over to him. According to court documents, the defendant claimed the house was supposedly for his niece.
The victim was reportedly threatened with death if he refused to cooperate.
Victim Threatened With Violence
Police said Rowe demanded the real estate agent hand over his mobile phone and threatened to “beat his brains in” if he did not comply.
Although the victim surrendered the phone, he explained that he could not prepare the property contract without his computer, which was located at his home across the street.
Authorities said Rowe forced the victim to walk with him to the second house while warning him not to try escaping.
The defendant allegedly threatened to tie a rope around the victim’s neck and drag him using a 4-wheeler if he attempted to run away. Investigators said Rowe even pointed to a rope attached to the vehicle during the threat.
Real Estate Agent Escaped While Suspect Read Contract
Once inside the second home, the victim began typing on his computer while Rowe watched closely.
Authorities said the defendant later pulled out a pocketknife and threatened to kill the victim after the contract was completed.
After finishing the paperwork, the real estate agent handed the contract to Rowe, who sat down at the kitchen table to read it carefully.
That moment gave the victim a chance to escape.
Fearing for his life, the agent quietly moved toward the front door, rushed outside, got into his car, and drove directly to the sheriff’s office.
Police said the victim arrived covered in blood and bruises.
Defendant Later Turned Himself In
Authorities said Rowe was later found by family members the same evening. He eventually surrendered to law enforcement officers.
Investigators noted that Rowe mostly agreed with the sequence of events described by the victim.
Following the sentencing, Grayson County Sheriff Norman Chaffins stated that Rowe is banned from entering Grayson County and cannot contact the victim unless ordered by the court.
