Stephen Shapiro, 72, was shot to death Monday night in his suburban Chicago home. Police apprehended an unidentified male in the shooting of Shapiro in Northfield, Illinois, after the suspect attempted to escape. Authorities described the killing as a domestic incident.
Shapiro had a distinguished career at the law firm Mayer Brown before and after he worked as Deputy Solicitor General of the United States during the Ronald Reagan administration. Shapiro was a partner at Mayer Brown and has been credited for helping the firm “become the largest Supreme Court & Appellate practice in the country.”
The firm said it was “shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Steve Shapiro, our friend and colleague.”
“Steve joined our firm in 1972 and was promoted to partner in 1978, becoming one of the most accomplished appellate lawyers in the United States. Our thoughts are with Steve’s family at this difficult time,” Mayer Brown said.
Shapiro has also been credited as an author on the Supreme Court Practice book. He personally argued 30 case before the U.S. Supreme Court, according to CBS 2 Chicago.
Shapiro was shot and killed around 7:20 p.m. on Monday at his home. Police chased an unidentified male into a wooded area and arrested him around 10:30 p.m. Police have yet to identify the suspect in custody.
He leaves behind a wife and daughter. ABC 7 spoke with Marilyn Hiebeler, a neighbor, and she said everyone was stunned by the killing.
“I can’t describe how upset we are in our house, and I’m sure up and down the block. We all know each other and they were really lovely,” she said.
Those who know and knew of Shapiro within the legal profession are expressing their condolences.
[Image via CBS 2 Chicago screengrab]