News (USA)

Renowned gay equestrian killed by unknown gunman as he sat with partner

Renowned gay equestrian killed by unknown gunman as he sat with partner

EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. — A renowned openly gay New York equestrian riding instructor died earlier this week after an unknown gunman fired multiple rounds into the victim’s home, killing him as he sat next to his partner of 26 years.

Ross Reisner
Photo: Mimi Tashjian, courtesy Kim Tudor
Ross Reisner (right) with longtime partner Kevin Murray.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County police department told LGBTQ Nation Friday that Ross Reisner and his longtime partner Kevin Murray, were sitting on a couch at about 8:45 p.m. when an unknown gunman, using a high-caliber weapon, fired multiple rounds through the window of the victim’s East Setauket home on Long Island.

Reisner, 50, was shot Tuesday in the chest and died later at Stony Brook University Hospital. Murray was grazed by a bullet and did not require medical treatment.

“This is not a random act,” said. Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick, commander of the Suffolk homicide squad. “Given the information we possess, I believe they were fired on by someone who was intentionally firing on them.”

“The shooter or shooters entered the yard and fired shots through a window,” he said

Suffolk police are looking to question Reisner’s former roommate in connection with the shooting, but he has not been named as a suspect, reported The New York Post.

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A relative told the Post that Reisner had a falling out with the ex-roommate two years ago, and that the former roommate even once sent Reisner and Murray a dead bird to express his anger.

Reisner is remembered as an accomplished equestrian and horse trainer who trained successful riders for decades and was a fixture on the national horse show circuit.

Bobby Ginsberg, his business partner and childhood friend, said showing horses was Reisner’s passion.

“Everybody knew Ross. He always had clients at the horse shows. He was always striving to be a great trainer and rider,” Ginsberg said. “When it came to his training and his riding, he was very serious and dedicated to it — he loved to win.”

Reisner trained competitive equestrians and his team of riders were scheduled to take a riding team to the U.S. Equestrian Federation finals in New Jersey next month.

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