Tragedy Strikes: UC Berkeley Professor Killed in Greece
Within steps of his children’s Athens home, UC Berkeley professor killed in Greece, Przemyslaw Jeziorski, was gunned down on July 4 — the U.S. Independence Day he once celebrated with his 10‑year‑old twins, Zoe and Angelo. Greek police say a masked assailant fired five shots into the 43‑year‑old marketing expert’s chest and neck before fleeing the quiet Agia Paraskevi neighborhood. No arrests have been made.
A Custody Battle Turned Deadly
Jeziorski, known as “PJ” to friends, flew to Greece for a court hearing tied to a three‑year custody dispute with his economist ex‑wife. Although prior rulings allowed him to take the children to his hometown of Gdynia, Poland, fresh legal wrangling stalled the trip. Family friend Chemtai Mungo says PJ hoped to bring the twins on their annual visit and take a side excursion to Disneyland Paris.
Prior Court Arrangements Under Review
- Division of property: unresolved assets in Athens and San Francisco
- Summer visitation: historically granted for one‑month stays abroad
- New motion: ex‑spouse sought to block international travel pending further evaluation
Remembering a Brilliant Scholar
At UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Dean Jennifer Chatman called Jeziorski a “beloved faculty member and pioneering voice in quantitative marketing.” His 15-year research career spanned mobile money in Africa, sponsored search, car insurance pricing, and breast cancer prevention analytics. Faculty, alumni, and more than 500 students joined a candlelight vigil on the Haas courtyard last night.
Quick Fact: Jeziorski fulfilled a lifelong dream when he bought an apartment in San Francisco’s Mission District last year, celebrating with friends over pierogi and vinyl records.
Crime Scene Details & Investigation Status
Greek authorities confirmed the shooter used a 9 mm handgun, striking PJ at point‑blank range outside his ex‑wife’s residence. Security‑camera footage captured a hooded figure but failed to reveal identifiable features. Homicide detectives are canvassing nearby businesses and monitoring ferry ports and airports for suspects.
Key Leads
- Masked gunman profile: height 1.80 m–1.85 m, dark clothing.
- Weapon forensics: shell casings link to no known criminal database.
- Motive theories: targeted hit connected to custody fight or unrelated contract killing.
Family’s Pursuit of Justice
Brother Lukasz Jeziorski has hired Greek counsel and vows “to do everything we can to ensure justice is served.” The family launched a public appeal for tips via X (@JusticeForPJ), urging witnesses to come forward. The Polish consulate in Athens confirmed it is liaising with local authorities.
Broader Context: Violence in Custody Disputes
While gun violence in Greece remains low compared with U.S. levels, experts note that high‑conflict custody cases can escalate dramatically. A 2024 EU study found that 6% of unresolved cross‑border custody disputes involve threats or actual violence. Psychologist Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos warns that “escalation risk spikes when one parent perceives the court system as biased.”
Community Support and Next Steps
Colleagues have started a memorial fund to repatriate PJ’s body to Poland and cover legal costs. Donations can be made through the UC Berkeley Foundation website. Memorial services are planned in Athens, Berkeley, and Gdynia.
Conclusion: Seeking Answers After the UC Berkeley Professor Killed in Greece
As investigators sift evidence and the Jeziorski family grieves, the academic world mourns a brilliant mind lost far too soon. Anyone with information is urged to contact Athens Police or submit anonymous tips online. Justice for Przemyslaw Jeziorski — and closure for Zoe and Angelo — now depends on unmasking the shooter behind this chilling crime.
