An American marketing professor was shot dead in Athens on July 4, 2023, during a visit to pick up his two children from his ex-wife’s home. Przemyslaw Jeziorski, 43, was reportedly ambushed by a masked gunman who fired multiple shots at close range. The incident occurred in broad daylight in a typically quiet suburban area, leaving the community in shock.
According to police reports, Jeziorski died at the scene from gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. Eyewitnesses attempted to assist him, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack. The alleged shooter, identified as the new partner of Jeziorski’s ex-wife, was arrested 12 days later for premeditated murder. He reportedly confessed to the crime, claiming he acted to prevent Jeziorski from taking the children away.
In a police statement, the suspect stated, “I did it all for her and our children so that we could have a normal life without problems.” This confession, along with other statements from alleged accomplices, has been leaked to the media, revealing key details about the murder plot and the motives behind it.
Details of the Investigation
Greek authorities have indicated that Jeziorski’s ex-wife may face charges as a moral accomplice in the case, a claim she denies through her lawyer. The police have not released her identity due to legal restrictions, but it has been confirmed that she is a Greek national. The investigation continues as authorities sift through conflicting accounts and evidence.
The alleged shooter described how he and several accomplices planned the attack, citing a long-standing custody dispute as the catalyst. Jeziorski had filed for divorce in June 2021, initiating a custody battle that saw the children primarily living with their mother. Reports suggest that Jeziorski sought to have his children attend an American school in Greece to facilitate their education in the United States, raising concerns for his ex-wife about losing custody.
A court ruling just a day prior to the shooting allowed Jeziorski to take the children for a month during the summer. The suspect claimed he feared losing the children entirely, which he stated motivated the attack. He had allegedly purchased a firearm weeks before the incident and coordinated with accomplices to travel to Athens.
Community Reaction and Impact
Jeziorski was a respected academic at the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught marketing and data analytics. Colleagues and friends have expressed their grief over his loss, describing him as a dedicated educator and a loving father. UC Berkeley’s Dean, Jenny Chatman, expressed her heartbreak at the news, referring to Jeziorski as a “beloved member of our marketing faculty.”
His brother, Łukasz Jeziorski, released a statement addressing the tragedy, emphasizing the family’s focus on the well-being of the victim’s children, who are now under Greek child custody procedures. The family has initiated an online fundraiser to repatriate Jeziorski’s remains to Poland and to cover legal expenses in Greece.
The case is expected to proceed to trial, with the suspects facing serious charges. The complexity of the case, including the conflicting testimonies and the potential involvement of the ex-wife, promises to draw significant public and media attention. As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and stability of Jeziorski’s children during this difficult time.