Athens, Greece — The investigation into the tragic murder of UC Berkeley professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski has intensified as Greek authorities have taken five individuals into custody for questioning. Jeziorski, known for his expertise in marketing and data analytics, was shot dead on July 4 while visiting Athens to see his children and attend a family custody hearing.
Among those detained is Jeziorski’s ex-wife, according to a police spokesperson. The authorities indicated that the group includes both Greek and foreign nationals, noting that further evaluations are underway to determine if arrest warrants will be issued.
Jeziorski, 43, was fatally wounded in a residential area of Agia Paraskevi, where he had been staying. Eyewitnesses reported a masked gunman approached him around 4:15 p.m. and opened fire, hitting him multiple times in the neck and chest. Multiple bullet casings, believed to be from a 9mm firearm, were recovered from the crime scene, confirming the violent nature of the attack.
Witnesses described the shooter as a figure dressed in black, with one individual recounting hearing six shots before observing the suspect fleeing the area. This incident occurred a day after Jeziorski had attended a court hearing related to custody matters involving his children.
Authorities have stated that they are exploring various angles in the investigation, including potential motives among close family members. A senior police official hinted at the possibility that the murder may have been orchestrated, highlighting signs consistent with a contract killing. Investigators have confirmed that Jeziorski had no prior criminal background in Greece.
In the wake of this tragedy, Jeziorski’s family has initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at repatriating his remains to Poland and securing legal assistance. His brother expressed the family’s grief through the online fund, stating their commitment to ensuring justice is served.
UC Berkeley released a statement commemorating Jeziorski’s dedication to education, noting that he influenced more than 1,500 graduate and PhD students over his 13 years at the university. Faculty members and students alike mourned the loss, with the dean of the business school, Jenny Chatman, describing Jeziorski as a cherished member of their academic community.
As the investigation proceeds, the Athens community remains shaken by this violent act, while authorities work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding Jeziorski’s murder and bring those responsible to justice.