Gregory Moore Retained New Lead Attorney
The murder trial of Gregory Moore has been delayed following a change in his legal defense team.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Gregory Moore, who stands accused of the 2013 murder of Aliza Sherman, has selected Joseph Patituce as his new lead attorney. The change in representation followed the withdrawal of his previous lead counsel.
Why it matters
The change in defense counsel has caused an indefinite delay in the murder trial proceedings. The previous lead attorney withdrew after filing a sealed motion citing Rule 3.7 regarding lawyer testimony.
A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Gregory Moore in 2025 for the 2013 fatal stabbing of Aliza Sherman. Moore previously served six months in jail after pleading guilty to calling in bomb threats to courtrooms in 2017.
The players
Gregory Moore
He is the defendant currently awaiting trial for the 2013 murder of Aliza Sherman.
Joseph Patituce
He is the newly appointed lead attorney for the defendant.
Aliza Sherman
She was the victim of a fatal stabbing in 2013.
Jon Paul Rion
He is the former lead attorney who withdrew from the case citing ethical concerns.
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
This is the judicial body overseeing the murder trial proceedings in Cleveland.
The details
Gregory Moore selected Joseph Patituce as lead counsel on Sept. 28, with Megan Patituce joining as co-counsel. The transition followed the discharge of interim lead attorney Christopher Bucio on Sept. 25 and the withdrawal of Jon Paul Rion.
Timeline
March 24, 2013: Aliza Sherman was fatally stabbed in Cleveland.
2017: Gregory Moore pleaded guilty to making courtroom bomb threats.
2025: A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Gregory Moore.
Sept. 23, 2026: A court hearing addressed the status of the defense counsel.
Sept. 28, 2026: Gregory Moore retained Joseph Patituce as lead attorney.
Legal Context
The withdrawal of defense counsel based on Rule 3.7 illustrates the procedural hurdles that can delay complex criminal trials. Such motions often occur when there is an inherent conflict between an attorney's role as advocate and their potential necessity as a trial witness.
The indefinite delay of the trial means that the judicial process for this 2013 murder case will remain ongoing for an extended period. Residents of Cleveland should expect continued activity at the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas as the new legal team prepares for the case.
The takeaway
Selecting a new legal team late in the discovery or pre-trial process can fundamentally alter the trajectory of high-profile litigation. Defendants have the right to counsel, but frequent turnover in legal representation often results in significant procedural delays.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
