Man charged in killings of attorney, former employee who beat him in court

A Los Angeles County man accused of orchestrating the execution-style killings of an attorney and a former employee who had prevailed against him in court has been charged with two counts of murder, prosecutors announced Monday.

Richard Wall Sr., 72, stands accused of orchestrating two contract-style killings: the 2009 slaying of attorney Jeffrey Tidus and the 2011 execution of former employee Juan Mendez. Prosecutors say Wall ordered the hits after both men defeated him or his allies in court.

He now faces two counts each of murder and conspiracy, with special-circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait, and killing for financial gain, charges that could lock him away for life if he's convicted. People v. Richard Wall Sr., 25CJCF02076, (L.A. Super., Ct., filed June 15, 2026)

"When Richard Wall Sr. lost lawsuits, instead of appealing the verdicts, he allegedly decided to kill those who opposed him in court," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "The families of these two victims have been waiting for over 15 years to get justice they thought may never materialize. These were vicious and callous murders that we believe came at the behest of Mr. Wall who thought killing two people would end his legal problems. Such allegedly ruthless decision-making has landed Mr. Wall in far worse shape now."

Wall made his initial court appearance Monday. His arraignment was continued until July. He is also a prime suspect in a third homicide in Las Vegas, the district attorney said.

According to the criminal complaint, Tidus, 53, had secured a $1.7 million settlement in 2007 against a close friend of Wall's. Prosecutors allege Wall wanted Tidus killed and hired an unnamed co-conspirator to carry out the murder. On Dec. 7, 2009, the co-conspirator fatally shot Tidus outside his Rolling Hills Estates home and later informed Wall the killing had been carried out.

Mendez, 35, was a former Wall employee who sued for unpaid overtime. In January 2011, he prevailed and was awarded $300,000. Before the judgment became final, Wall allegedly hired and paid a co-conspirator to kill him.

On Feb. 26, 2011, the co-conspirator went to Mendez's apartment in Whittier, knocked on the door and shot him in front of his children when he answered, according to the complaint. Mendez attempted to flee but was killed. Prosecutors allege the co-conspirator later informed Wall of the murder. On March 7, 2011, Mendez's lawsuit was dismissed before the judgment was finalized.

Wall was extradited from Montenegro, where prosecutors said he fled and lived while under investigation for the conspiracy allegations.