City Attorney Identified As Shooter In Family Murder-Suicide

He took the lives of his wife and son before turning the gun on himself.

Today, we’ve got some disturbing news from the legal community in Los Angeles, where a deputy city attorney was identified by police as the shooter in a reported murder-suicide.

Deputy city attorney Eric Lertzman, 60, was a graduate of the recently shuttered Whittier College School of Law, and had worked at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office since 2005. According to police, Lertzman killed his wife, his son, and himself at their home on Wednesday morning. Police say Lertzman first shot and killed his wife, Sandra, attempted to shoot an as yet unidentified female next (who thankfully locked herself in a bathroom and was able to escape), and then moved on to shoot and kill his 19-year-old son, Michael. Lertzman then took his own life.

In the press release, the LAPD said it believes Lertzman’s actions came as he was dealing with an ongoing health issue and the recent death of a loved one. The case is still under investigation. …

“It is with shock and profound sadness that we announce that today Deputy City Attorney Eric Lertzman was involved in a tragic incident which we understand resulted in the death of his wife, his adult son and himself,” [Los Angeles City Attorney Mike] Feuer announced on Twitter on Wednesday.

“As we search for answers to how this could happen, we mourn the victims and envelop those left behind with our love at this time of unbearable loss,” Feuer said. “Of course we will provide members of our City Attorney Family with needed counseling and support.”

We here at Above the Law would like to extend our condolences to Eric Lertzman’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

If you or someone you know is depressed and in need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance.

Police: LA Deputy City Attorney Kills Himself, Family Members [The Recorder]

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Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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