Case of Slain Lawyer Shines Light on 2005 Restraining Order

Detectives working the case of murdered lawyer Jeffrey Tidus are looking into a 2005 case wherein the slain attorney had "obtained a restraining order against a litigant who allegedly had threatened him," the LA Times is reporting. Tidus was shot outside his elegant Rolling Hills Estates home Monday evening, and the pattern of evidence as well as Tidus' personal and professional life presented immediate uncertainty regarding suspects and motive. In reviewing Tidus' affairs authorities found he represented a client in a suit against Los Angeles tax attorney Christopher Gruys, who made threatening remarks against Tidus in court, prompting Tidus to seek a restraining order.

However, "in an brief interview with The Times, Gruys said he was unaware of Tidus' death and that law enforcement officials had not contacted him." The homicide case continues, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Dave Dolson emphasizes "that the investigation is in its early stages and there is no evidence that Tidus' work was tied to his slaying."