Police Investigate Murder of Equestrian Ross Reisner
Ross Reisner, a prominent member of the East End equestrian community, was shot dead while in his East Setauket house Tuesday night.
Reisner was home on Upper Sheep Pasture Road with his partner of 25 years, Kevin Murray, when, according to police, shots were fired through a window into the house. Officers arrived at 8:45 p.m. to find Reisner, 50, with a gunshot wound to the chest and he was later pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital, police said.
Just a few months ago, Reisner and Bobby Ginsberg, of Southampton Riding Club, opened Maple Tree Farm, a show barn in Mattituck.
“Today we woke to the worst news I could have ever imagined,” Ginsberg wrote on Facebook Wednesday. “My friend of over 30 years was suddenly taken from us, I am in disbelief, I am angry and I am heartbroken. My friend is gone.”
Many more friend and colleagues are mourning Reisner this week.
Grace Duy, of East Hampton, wrote, “Ross Reisner was not just an amazing trainer, but also an extraordinary friend. Those who were lucky enough to work with him are truly blessed. He is an irreplaceable member of our equestrian family and there is no doubt that the memories we all have together will continue to make us smile.”
Another friend, Christina Waters, wrote, “He made life bigger and better and cast memories for all of us to take throughout our lives. You smile and laugh every time you think of him.”
Reisner was also a fixture at the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton. “We’re shocked and saddened at this tragic news …” the Hampton Classic wrote on Facebook. “[W]hat a loss for the Long Island equestrian community.”
A funeral is planned Sunday, September 29 at 3:30 p.m. at Sinai Chapel in Fresh Meadows, Queens.
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives ask anyone with information to call them at 631-852-6392 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.