Investigation Still 'Wide Open' in Horowitz Case

Although more than 100 interviews have been conducted, no arrests have been made and the investigation is still "wide open" in the murder of Pamela Vitale, wife of prominent attorney Daniel Horowitz.

News media sources reported that investigators were close to an arrest and one cable news network even reported that an arrest had been made -- a claim it immediately retracted -- but Contra Costa Sheriff's Department spokesman Jimmy Lee said, "It's still a wide open investigation."

Defense attorney and television commentator Daniel Horowitz found his wife dead Saturday night at the entrance of the mobile home in which the couple was living while they were building their dream home nearby. An autopsy confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma.

Police have not identified the murder weapon, but sources said it was a "household item" used to beat Vitale to death.

Horowitz Knew Right Away Wife Was Dead

Reports said she was wearing only a t-shirt and panties and had a large gash in her forehead. A heavy, large-screen television set had been moved, indicating a possible violent struggle. Horowitz told reporters that his wife apparently "fought like hell" to fend of her attacker.

In an interview with CNN's Nancy Grace, Horowitz said he knew immediately that his wife was dead when he saw her lifeless body in the entryway of their temporary home. "I took it all in, and I knew she was dead. You scream, you cry. But I just basically sat with her, and I just told her, 'I love you, and you're beautiful,'" Horowitz said.

Getting Close to an Arrest?

"I don't think this situation involves a former client. I think the police kind of know, have some leads," Ivan Golde, co-counsel with Horowitz in the Susan Polk murder trial, said. "I'm really not at liberty to comment on specifics right now. I think they are getting closer."

Horowitz and Golde were defending Susan Polk in her murder trial for the death of her wealthy, therapist husband, Frank (Felix) Polk, when the murder of Horowitz's wife occurred. A judge declared a mistrial on Monday after the news of Vitale's death saturated the local news media.

See Also:
Horowitz Knew Right Away Wife Was Dead
Household Item Used to Kill Lawyer's Wife, Source Says
No Arrests In Lafayette Murder Mystery
Lawyer's Wife Was Beaten to Death
Many Had Access to Sprawling Estate Where Vitale Was Killed

Background:
Wife of Attorney Daniel Horowitz Found Dead
Mistrial Declared in Susan Polk Murder Trial
Susan Polk: Murder or Self-Defense?

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