A man accused of orchestrating two execution-style murders in Southern California more than a decade ago has now been formally charged, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday. Prosecutors allege the killings were carried out in retaliation for legal disputes involving the defendant.
Richard Wall Sr. is charged in the 2009 killing of an attorney and the 2011 killing of a former employee. Authorities also say Wall is a suspect in a separate homicide in Las Vegas, though no charges have been filed in that case.
Charges
Wall faces two counts of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Prosecutors have also alleged special circumstances, including multiple murders, lying in wait, and murder for financial gain.
If convicted on all counts, Wall could be sentenced to life in prison.
Attorney Killing
The first case involves the killing of Jeffrey Tidus, a 53-year-old attorney who represented a client in a lawsuit connected 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 hired a co-conspirator to carry out the shooting. Tidus was fatally shot outside his Rolling Hills Estates home on Dec. 7, 2009. The complaint states that the shooter later informed Wall that the killing had been carried out.
Former Employee Case
Wall is also charged in the 2011 killing of Juan Mendez, a 35-year-old former employee of Wall’s company, Welded Fixtures. Mendez had filed a class action lawsuit alleging he was not paid overtime wages.
In January 2011, Mendez was awarded $300,000. Prosecutors allege that before the judgment was finalized, Wall hired and paid a co-conspirator to kill him.
According to the complaint, the shooter went to Mendez’s Whittier apartment on Feb. 26, 2011, knocked on the door, and shot him when he answered. Authorities say Mendez attempted to flee but was killed in front of his children. The shooter later reported the killing to Wall, prosecutors allege.
Mendez’s lawsuit was dismissed on March 7, 2011, before the judgment was finalized.
Investigation
Authorities say Wall fled the United States during the investigation and was living in Montenegro. He was later extradited back to the United States to face the charges.
The district attorney’s office did not release details about the alleged co-conspirator or whether that individual has also been charged.
Third Case
In addition to the two charged murders, prosecutors say Wall is a suspect in a third homicide in Las Vegas. No further information about that case was released, and it is unclear whether additional charges may be forthcoming.
Prosecutor Statement
District Attorney Hochman said the charges follow years of investigation and emphasized the alleged motive behind the killings.
According to Hochman, prosecutors believe Wall chose violence rather than pursuing legal appeals after losing court cases. He said the families of the victims have waited more than 15 years for accountability.
Next Steps
Wall is expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Court records will determine whether prosecutors seek to consolidate evidence from the two killings during trial proceedings.
The case remains active, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges related to the Las Vegas investigation.
FAQs
Who has been charged?
Richard Wall Sr. has been charged by prosecutors.
What crimes is he accused of?
Two murders and conspiracy to commit murder.
When did the killings occur?
In 2009 and 2011, according to prosecutors.
Was Wall extradited?
Yes, he was extradited from Montenegro.
What sentence could he face?
Life in prison if convicted.
JD Vance Reacts to ‘The View’ Appearance, Says Joy Behar Made Unexpected Comment During Commercial Break