UC Berkeley professor feared for his life and sought restraining order before murder

In Greece, Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a marketing professor at the University of California, Berkeley, was tragically killed on July 4 while walking to pick up his children from his ex-wife's house. In the weeks leading up to his death, Jeziorski expressed serious concerns for his safety and filed a restraining order against his ex-wife, Konstantina Michelidaki, detailing incidents of alleged blackmail, financial abuse, and threats to his career. A local court, however, denied his request for protection. Reports indicated that Jeziorski's children had been living with their mother in Athens since 2020 following the couple's separation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The custody battle that followed their separation was intense and ongoing, with visitation rights established for Jeziorski to see his children for one month each summer. On the morning of the shooting, it was suggested that Jeziorski was confronted by an assailant who had been allegedly hired by Michelidaki's current partner. This individual accused Jeziorski of jeopardizing their family life by seeking full custody of the children. The attacker approached Jeziorski and shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene, with bullet casings found at the location and emergency services quickly responding. Jeziorski died at the scene from his injuries, leaving behind a devastated family grappling with the aftermath of the violence. As investigations continued, Greek police arrested five individuals connected to the crime, including those who allegedly acted as accomplices. Allegations surfaced that Michelidaki had instigated the plot against Jeziorski. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with suspects facing charges in connection with the murder, and the victim's family has expressed their heartbreak over the loss while pursuing custody of Jeziorski's children. They are pressing for full custody, aiming to raise the twins in a stable and protective environment away from the tumultuous circumstances surrounding their parents' conflict. This tragic event highlights the severe ramifications of domestic disputes exacerbated by allegations of domestic violence, manipulation, and abuse. The legal system's failure to protect Jeziorski from potential harm raised concerns about the effectiveness of restraining orders in domestic violence cases. The case continues to unfold, raising questions about accountability in these tragic circumstances and how underlying issues of family law are addressed in such contentious situations.