More than a decade after questions first went unanswered, Ohio authorities have charged a retired divorce lawyer in the 2013 stabbing murder of Cleveland Clinic nurse Aliza Sherman.
On Friday, Gregory J. Moore, 51, was taken into custody in Texas by the U.S. Marshals and charged with multiple counts of aggravated murder, murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy. Moore, who had previously represented Sherman in her divorce, was already a suspect and had served time on charges of obstructing the initial investigation.
Sherman, 53, was stabbed more than 10 times in the rear of a downtown Cleveland office building on March 24, 2013 — the day she was to sit down with Moore to discuss her divorce proceedings. Her body was discovered on a sidewalk outside the building where Moore’s office was located.
“Over a decade later, this family finally learned what occurred,” Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley announced Friday. “Thanks to the dogged work of law enforcement, a distinct picture emerged that Gregory Moore masterminded and took part in the heinous murder of Aliza Sherman.”
Twist in a Long-Cold Case
Although Moore was never charged with Sherman’s murder, his involvement in the case was hardly innocent. In 2017, he entered a guilty plea to falsification for lying about where he was when Sherman died. He also admitted to making 2012 bomb threats to delay trials, including Sherman’s. His law license was suspended and later surrendered, and he spent six months in prison.
According to the just-unsealed indictment, Moore allegedly lured Sherman to his office on the day of the killing under the guise of a meeting. She waited over an hour before turning to leave. In that time, Moore or a co-conspirator reportedly ambushed her, stabbing her multiple times from behind.
Moore then returned to his office and sent misleading messages, prosecutors say, attempting to cover up his involvement.
No Defense Lawyer Named
As of Sunday, Moore remained in custody in Texas, awaiting extradition. Court filings do not yet name a defense attorney. A lawyer who previously represented Moore did not respond to comment requests, nor has Moore himself made any public statement.
Prosecutors said Moore’s arrest was the result of extensive efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation reopened the case in 2021, providing renewed focus and resources.
Aliza Sherman Remembered
Aliza Sherman, a mother of four and a fertility nurse at Cleveland Clinic, was widely admired. Her murder sparked annual vigils and community calls for justice.
Her daughter, Jennifer Sherman, thanked law enforcement for their “unshakeable dedication” and asked for privacy during this “exceptionally difficult time.”
In 2023, Jennifer founded the Aliza Sherman Fund to support Cleveland Clinic patients and caregivers affected by violence and to promote awareness and prevention programs.
Her brother, Harry Czinn, told Cleveland Jewish News, “After 12 years, you don’t expect it. It’s bittersweet — glad they got the person, but the memories are painful.”
No Suspicion Toward Estranged Husband
Though Aliza Sherman was undergoing a bitter divorce at the time, her estranged husband, Sanford Sherman, was never considered a suspect. He died in Florida in 2023.
Moore’s arraignment will be scheduled soon. Authorities say this arrest marks a major step forward in a case that has haunted the family and the Cleveland community for more than a decade.
