Former Divorce Attorney Arrested in Connection to 2013 Murder of Client
After more than a decade of unanswered questions, authorities have apprehended Gregory J. Moore, a 51-year-old former divorce attorney, in connection to the 2013 murder of Aliza Sherman, an Ohio nurse and mother of four whom Moore had previously represented in legal proceedings. The arrest, a significant breakthrough in a cold case that had long stymied law enforcement, occurred in Austin, Texas, where Moore was taken into custody. He now faces a slew of serious charges, including murder, conspiracy, and kidnapping, as detailed by the Cuyahoga County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The indictment, returned by a grand jury on May 2nd, marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Sherman, who was found brutally stabbed outside Moore’s Cleveland, Ohio, law office in March of 2013. The arrest represents the first apprehension in the case, occurring years after Moore served a six-month jail sentence for providing false statements to investigators regarding his whereabouts at the time of Sherman’s death.
The unsealed indictment paints a disturbing picture of a meticulously planned scheme allegedly orchestrated by Moore and at least one unidentified accomplice. According to the indictment, the objective of the conspiracy was to kidnap Sherman with the intent of obstructing upcoming proceedings in her divorce case. The plan was designed to ensure that Sherman would be unable to attend these proceedings, achieved through the infliction of serious physical harm and, ultimately, her death, the indictment alleges.
The investigation revealed that the genesis of the plot to kidnap and harm Sherman stemmed from Moore’s knowledge that the prosecutor’s office was actively investigating a series of bomb threats that had been directed at courthouses where Moore was scheduled to appear for trial. This discovery allegedly triggered the escalation of the scheme against Sherman.
Investigators have pieced together a timeline of events leading up to Sherman’s murder, revealing that Moore allegedly texted Sherman on March 24, 2013, requesting her to meet him at his law office. Upon arriving at the location, Sherman reportedly waited outside the locked office for over an hour, enduring the cold weather. Frustrated and seeking warmth, she decided to return to her car. It was during this interim that an individual, identified either as Moore himself or an unknown co-conspirator, allegedly approached Sherman from behind, chased her down, and subjected her to a vicious attack, stabbing her more than ten times, according to the indictment.
The indictment further alleges that, in the aftermath of Sherman’s fatal stabbing, Moore continued to text her phone in an attempt to fabricate evidence suggesting that he was unaware of the assault. This calculated action, authorities believe, was aimed at distancing himself from the crime and creating a false narrative of innocence.
Adding to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the case, the indictment highlights that days after the attack, Sherman’s divorce case was abruptly dismissed. Furthermore, Moore reportedly changed the phone number he used for his law practice to a different number, raising further questions about his potential involvement in the crime.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley expressed his condolences to the Sherman family, stating that they have endured over a decade of uncertainty and anguish in their quest for answers regarding their mother’s homicide. He commended the diligent and unwavering efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that their work had accumulated compelling evidence that paints an unmistakable picture of Gregory Moore’s orchestration and participation in the brutal murder of Aliza Sherman.
Ohio Attorney General David Yost echoed O’Malley’s sentiments, acknowledging the extensive resources and advanced technology that agents had deployed over thousands of hours to help solve the complex murder case. He extended his gratitude to the Sherman family for their trust, patience, and confidence in the investigation.
The arrest of Moore brings a renewed sense of hope to the Sherman family and the community, who have long sought justice for the tragic loss of Aliza Sherman. While Moore remains in custody, it is currently unclear whether he has retained legal representation. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has announced that Moore will be arraigned at a later date, marking the next step in the legal proceedings.
The case underscores the importance of perseverance and collaboration in law enforcement, particularly in complex cold cases. The use of advanced technology and investigative techniques has played a crucial role in uncovering new evidence and connecting the dots in this long-unsolved murder. The arrest of Gregory Moore offers a measure of closure to the Sherman family and serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even after years of uncertainty.
The legal proceedings against Moore are expected to be closely watched, as the prosecution presents its case and the defense mounts its response. The trial will likely delve into the intricate details of the alleged conspiracy, the timeline of events leading up to Sherman’s murder, and the evidence linking Moore to the crime.
As the case progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring that justice is served for Aliza Sherman and her family, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss. The arrest of Gregory Moore is a significant step forward, but the ultimate resolution of the case will depend on the evidence presented and the outcome of the legal proceedings.
