Family members and investigators issued a call for help Tuesday in an effort to solve the 2009 killing of a prominent attorney who was gunned down outside his Rolling Hills Estates residence.
Jeffrey Tidus, 53, was fatally shot on Dec. 7, 2009, after he returned home from a fundraiser in Redondo Beach, according to the sheriff's department. Tidus had just stepped outside to get his laptop from his vehicle, which was parked in the driveway.
He was attacked from behind and shot once in the head, according to the sheriff's department. Investigators have called the attack an "execution-style" shooting.
He later died at a hospital.
At Wednesday's Sheriff's Homicide Bureau news conference, investigators discussed the $100,000 reward offered in the case and called on the public to help solve the crime. They also said the killing was likely connected to his work as a civil case attorney.
"Our focus has now been on the professional side of his business, of his life, and we feel that his murder is related," sheriff's Lt. Victor Lewandowski said. "And, it's our belief that there are people out there who know about this murder and who know the identity of the suspect or suspects. Seemingly insignificant information could be the tip or lead that breaks this case open."
Family members, including his wife, attended the news conference. Sheryl Tidus had just arrived home with her husband on the night of the slaying.
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"I wasn't aware that there was anybody out there that hated him to this extent, that would do such a thing," said Sheryl Tidus.
Saturday would have been their 33rd wedding anniversary.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved $10,000 in reward money and Tidus' family offered $90,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the attacker or attackers.
The reward was announced earlier in the investigation, but family members and investigators said they're hoping to draw more attention to the case after seven years with no answers.
"We're hoping that that $100,00 reward will assist the sheriff's department in bringing the dirtbag that murdered my brother to justice," said brother Michael Tidus.
