Shocking Turn of Events: Cleveland Divorce Attorney Indicted for Murder

Divorce attorney Gregory Moore, 51, Left, Aliza Sherman, 53, Right

Overview of the Case

A Cleveland divorce attorney has been indicted for the 2013 stabbing death of a nurse. Prosecutors allege that Gregory Moore, 51, orchestrated a calculated plot to avoid appearing unprepared in court. The victim, Aliza Sherman, 53, was on her way to meet Moore to discuss her ongoing divorce case when she was attacked outside his downtown Cleveland office on March 24, 2013.

Sherman, a mother of four, was brutally stabbed ten times. Initially, the attack was considered a random act of violence. However, recent technological advances in investigations have led to new developments, identifying Moore as the primary suspect.

Authorities found that Moore had arranged to meet Sherman at his office despite leaving the building hours earlier. Pictured: Aliza Sherman with daughter Jennifer as a child

Details of the Attack

Prosecutors assert that Moore orchestrated this fatal attack to avoid confronting his lack of preparation for Sherman's divorce case. He had a history of unprofessional behavior, including a 2012 conviction for calling in false bomb threats to three courthouses—Geauga, Lake, and Cuyahoga Counties—once again to delay cases for which he was inadequately prepared.

According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, Moore is now facing multiple serious charges. These include one count of aggravated murder, one count of conspiracy, six counts of murder, and two counts of kidnapping.

Recent evidence has emerged that undermines Moore’s alibi. Surveillance footage, phone records, and key card data indicate that he never entered his office that day. Most shockingly, his mobile phone had been disconnected from the network for approximately three hours, coinciding with the time of Sherman's murder.

Aliza Sherman, 53, was fatally stabbed outside her divorce attorney's office in downtown Cleveland on March 24, 2013

Investigative Breakthroughs

Investigators believe this gap in connectivity was a deliberate measure to eliminate cell tower location evidence. Additionally, Moore allegedly attempted to fabricate an alibi by sending texts and making calls after the crime. Days later, he acquired a new phone, potentially to further distance himself from the brutal act.

Sherman met her tragic fate while waiting outside the locked doors of Moore's office. At the time of her death, her husband, Dr. Sanford Sherman, was not considered a suspect and has now passed away.

Investigators suggest that he may have been motivated by a desire to avoid taking her case to court, which could have led to financial and professional complications for him. Pictured: Police investigate the scene after Aliza Sherman was stabbed to death

A Pattern of Deception

The indictment highlights Moore's continued efforts to mislead law enforcement. In 2017, he confessed to lying about his awareness of the murder and admitted to making the previous bomb threats that led to his earlier conviction. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, along with 36 months of community control and 150 hours of court-related service.

“This indictment comes after more than a decade of tireless investigative work,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. “The Sherman family has waited over ten years for answers regarding their mother’s homicide. The accumulated evidence paints the unmistakable picture that Gregory Moore orchestrated and participated in her brutal murder.”

Investigators allege that divorce attorney Gregory Moore, 51, murdered Sherman in a plot to avoid taking her case to court because he had not prepared for it

Community Impact and Response

The community has been shaken by this tragic event. Attorney Gregory Nelsen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office, expressed gratitude for the coordination between federal and local law enforcement. He emphasized that this development underscores the justice system's commitment to victims and their families.

Moore had previously taken over Sherman’s legal representation after her original attorney was suspended. As of now, he has no listed defense attorney and is expected to be arraigned in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

This case serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences when legal professionals betray their clients' trust. As the legal proceedings continue, many will be watching closely for justice in this heartbreaking case.

For those affected by similar situations, it’s essential to seek help and support from trusted professionals.

If you are experiencing challenges in your marriage, seeking counseling or legal assistance from qualified professionals can make a significant difference. Please consider reaching out for the help you need.