CLEVELAND — After more than a decade, Ohio authorities have announced a significant breakthrough in the unsolved murder of a Cleveland Clinic nurse. Recent developments led to murder charges against her former divorce attorney, who had previously been incarcerated for deceiving police during the investigation.
The arrest of Gregory J. Moore, aged 51, occurred on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in a cold case that has puzzled investigators since 2013. Aliza Sherman, the victim, was brutally stabbed over ten times, and her body was discovered on a sidewalk in downtown Cleveland, close to where she was scheduled to meet with Moore regarding her divorce.
Official documents unsealed recently reveal that Moore has been indicted on several charges, including murder, aggravated murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy. The apprehension took place in Texas by U.S. Marshals, where Moore remained detained through the weekend.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley stated on Friday, “The Sherman family has awaited justice for their mother’s murder for over a decade. Thanks to the relentless efforts of various law enforcement bodies, we have amassed evidence that undeniably implicates Gregory Moore in orchestrating and partaking in the heinous murder of Aliza Sherman.”
Moore’s history with authorities is not new. In 2017, he admitted guilt to charges of falsification linked to false statements he gave about his whereabouts at the time of Sherman’s murder. Furthermore, he confessed to making bomb threats in 2012 to delay legal proceedings. His law license was initially suspended in 2017, leading to his resignation the following year, and he served a six-month jail sentence. At that time, Moore expressed remorse for his actions.
According to the indictment issued on Friday, Moore had allegedly plotted to kidnap Sherman as a tactic to delay her divorce trial. Evidence shows communication between Moore and Sherman, wherein he summoned her to his office, which was locked. After finding the office locked, Sherman waited for more than an hour before returning to her car.
“During this period, an individual, either Moore or an unidentified accomplice, approached, circled behind Sherman, chased, and subsequently stabbed her repeatedly,” details the indictment. That evening, Moore accessed the office and communicated with Sherman to mislead investigators.
Attempts to reach Moore for comments on Sunday were unsuccessful, and court records show no attorney listed for him. A previously retained defense attorney did not respond to messages left on Sunday.
Prosecutors anticipate Moore’s arraignment soon and credit close collaboration with the FBI for the recent arrest. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation assumed control of the cold case in 2021.
Aliza Sherman, 53, was a devoted mother of four and remembered fondly as a cherished fertility nurse. Her legacy has been honored through various rallies and vigils commemorating the anniversary of her death.
Jennifer Sherman, Aliza’s daughter, expressed her gratitude to law enforcement “for their unwavering dedication to pursuing justice for Aliza,” in a statement issued on Sunday through her attorney, Adam Fried. The Sherman family has requested privacy during this challenging time.
Harry Czinn, Aliza Sherman’s brother, did not immediately respond to messages on Sunday. However, speaking to the Cleveland Jewish News, Czinn expressed his shock: “After 12 years, you don’t expect it. The best word to sum up my feelings at this point would be bittersweet — pleased that they found the person responsible, but the memories remain painful.”