UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in Athens on July 4, 2023, when Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a 43-year-old marketing professor at UC Berkeley, was murdered in broad daylight as he approached his ex-wife’s home to pick up their children. The incident has sent shockwaves through the academic community and raised urgent questions about domestic violence and custody disputes.
Witnesses report that Jeziorski was shot multiple times at close range while walking in a suburban neighborhood. Eyewitnesses rushed to assist him, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The alleged killer, arrested twelve days later, is the ex-wife’s current partner, who confessed to police that he acted out of fear of losing the children. “I did it all for her and our children so that we could have a normal life without problems,” he stated, according to leaked police transcripts.
This chilling confession has been widely circulated in Greek media, including CNN Greece, raising concerns about the integrity of the investigation and what other details might emerge. The suspect, who is facing charges of premeditated murder, claims his actions were intended to prevent Jeziorski from taking the children away. His ex-wife is also under investigation as a moral accomplice, though she denies any involvement.
The murder occurs amid a contentious custody battle, which saw Jeziorski recently granted custody rights. Just a day before his death, a court ruled that he could take the children for a month. The suspect revealed to police that he had been planning the murder for weeks, expressing fear that Jeziorski would permanently relocate the children to the United States.
Reports indicate that the suspect and his accomplices, including two Albanian nationals and a Bulgarian, had rented a getaway car and waited for Jeziorski’s arrival. Authorities recovered seven bullet casings at the scene, confirming the violent nature of the crime. Jeziorski’s family is now left to cope with the devastating loss. His brother stated, “Our family is heartbroken,” emphasizing their focus on the safety and well-being of Jeziorski’s children.
Jeziorski, known for his expertise in quantitative marketing, dedicated over a decade to teaching at UC Berkeley, impacting more than 1,500 students. Friends remember him as a kind and brilliant individual who adored his children. “He was one of the sharpest people I’ve ever met,” said his friend Robert Kowalski.
As the investigation unfolds, the suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday for their pleas, and a trial date will be set. The ex-wife’s potential role in the murder plot remains a focal point of scrutiny, with conflicting testimonies raising questions about her involvement.
Jeziorski’s family has initiated an online fundraiser to cover the costs of repatriating his remains to Poland and securing legal representation in Greece. The U.S. State Department has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the grieving family.
As this tragic story develops, the implications for domestic violence and custody disputes are profound, and the community is left grappling with the consequences of this senseless act. The trial promises to be high-profile, and many are watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
