Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged a man they describe as the central figure behind two execution-style killings carried out more than a decade ago, marking a major development in a case that has remained unresolved for years. Authorities say the suspect is also under investigation in connection with a third homicide in Las Vegas.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday that Richard Wall Sr. has been charged in the murders of an attorney killed in 2009 and a former employee killed in 2011. Prosecutors allege both killings were carried out by hired co-conspirators and were motivated by legal disputes involving Wall.
Charges
Wall faces two counts of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Prosecutors have also filed special circumstance allegations, including multiple murders, lying in wait, and murder for financial gain. If convicted on all charges, Wall could be sentenced to life in prison.
The charges follow what authorities described as a lengthy investigation involving multiple jurisdictions and international coordination.
Attorney Killing
One of the victims was Jeffrey Tidus, a 53-year-old attorney who represented a client in a civil lawsuit tied to Wall. According to the criminal complaint, Tidus won a $1.7 million settlement in 2007 against a close friend of Wall.
Prosecutors allege that Wall wanted Tidus killed and arranged for a co-conspirator to carry out the shooting. Tidus was fatally shot outside his Rolling Hills Estates home on Dec. 7, 2009. Authorities say the shooter later informed Wall that the killing had been completed.
Employee Killing
Wall is also charged in the 2011 murder of Juan Mendez, a former employee of Wall’s company, Welded Fixtures. Mendez filed a class action lawsuit alleging unpaid overtime wages and was awarded $300,000 in January 2011.
Before the judgment was finalized, prosecutors allege Wall hired and paid a co-conspirator to kill Mendez. On Feb. 26, 2011, the shooter allegedly went to Mendez’s Whittier apartment, knocked on the door, and shot him when he answered. Authorities say the shooting occurred in front of Mendez’s children.
After being shot, Mendez reportedly attempted to flee but was fatally wounded. Prosecutors allege the co-conspirator later reported the killing to Wall.
Legal Fallout
Mendez’s civil lawsuit was dismissed on March 7, 2011, before the judgment could be finalized. Prosecutors argue that Wall believed the killings would end his legal problems, a claim central to the murder-for-financial-gain allegations.
District Attorney Hochman said the families of both victims have waited more than 15 years for charges to be filed.
Third Case
In addition to the two Southern California murders, Wall is a suspect in a third homicide in Las Vegas. Prosecutors did not release details about that case, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Extradition
Wall was extradited from Montenegro, where authorities say he fled and lived during the investigation into the alleged conspiracy. His return to the United States allowed prosecutors to formally file the charges announced this week.
Prosecutors’ View
In a statement, Hochman said Wall allegedly chose violence rather than pursuing legal appeals after losing court cases. He described the killings as calculated acts intended to eliminate legal opposition, adding that the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged conduct.
Case Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Richard Wall Sr. |
| Victims | Attorney Jeffrey Tidus, employee Juan Mendez |
| Years of Killings | 2009 and 2011 |
| Alleged Motive | Legal disputes and financial gain |
| Charges | Murder, conspiracy to commit murder |
| Special Allegations | Multiple murders, lying in wait |
| Additional Case | Suspect in Las Vegas homicide |
| Status | Case pending in Los Angeles County |
The filing of charges closes a long chapter of uncertainty for investigators and victims’ families, though the case itself is just beginning. Prosecutors say further details will emerge as the legal process moves forward.
FAQs
Who has been charged in the murders?
Prosecutors charged Richard Wall Sr.
How many murders is he charged with?
Two murders in Southern California.
What were the alleged motives?
Legal disputes and financial gain.
Is there a third case involved?
He is a suspect in a Las Vegas homicide.
What sentence could he face?
Life in prison if convicted.
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