On July 4, 2023, in a tragic incident in Athens, Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a 43-year-old marketing professor at the University of California, Berkeley, was shot multiple times while walking to his ex-wife’s home to pick up their children. The daylight attack occurred in a typically peaceful suburban area, resulting in Jeziorski’s death at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a masked gunman flee as they rushed to assist him.
The alleged shooter, arrested twelve days later, is identified as the current partner of Jeziorski’s ex-wife. According to police reports, the suspect claimed he acted out of fear that Jeziorski would take their children away. “I did it all for her and our children so that we could have a normal life without problems,” he confessed to authorities, as revealed in leaks to Greek media, including CNN Greece.
Details of the Case and Arrest
The case has drawn significant media attention due to leaked police statements detailing the alleged murder plot and its motivations. The suspect, whose identity is withheld due to legal restrictions, stated that he had planned the attack for over a month. He reportedly acquired a firearm and enlisted accomplices to assist him. Following a custody ruling that permitted Jeziorski to take the children for a month, the suspect decided to carry out his plan.
Greek authorities found seven bullet casings at the crime scene, indicating the violent nature of the act. The three accomplices, including a minor, have also been charged with complicity. They have confessed to varying degrees of involvement, although conflicting accounts have emerged about the planning and execution of the murder.
The suspect’s attorney, Ermis Papoutsis, indicated that his client had initially sought legal advice regarding concerns over Jeziorski’s alleged issues with alcohol and their potential impact on custody arrangements. Papoutsis emphasized that the main suspect’s actions were not part of a well-organized plan but were driven by emotional turmoil.
Impact on Jeziorski’s Family and Legacy
Jeziorski, affectionately known as “PJ,” was a respected academic and a dedicated father. Friends described him as kind and introverted, with a profound passion for teaching. During his 13 years at UC Berkeley, he taught over 1,500 graduate and PhD students, specializing in data analytics and emerging markets. The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley expressed deep sorrow over his untimely passing, with Dean Jenny Chatman stating that the faculty has lost a “beloved member.”
The victim’s brother, Łukasz Jeziorski, has spoken out about the family’s heartbreak while expressing gratitude toward the Greek authorities for their swift action in the case. The couple’s ten-year-old twins, who hold dual US and Polish citizenship, are currently under the care of Greek authorities as custody procedures unfold. The family has initiated an online fundraiser to assist with legal representation and to repatriate Jeziorski’s remains to Poland.
As the legal proceedings continue, all five suspects are expected to appear in court for their pleas. The court will also determine if they will remain in custody pending trial. Discussions regarding the custody of the children are ongoing, with Jeziorski’s family seeking to provide a safe and stable environment for them.
This case has not only shocked the academic community but also raised significant questions regarding family dynamics, custody battles, and the lengths individuals may go to protect their perceived interests. As information continues to emerge, the trial is anticipated to uncover further details about the events leading to this tragic loss.
