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Grand jury looking into death at lawyer's apt.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has asked an investigative grand jury to look into the death of Julia Papazian Law, the paralegal whose body was found facedown in a bathtub the apartment of her boss, criminal defense lawyer A. Charles Peruto Jr.

Charles Peruto, Jr., with his lover and colleague Julia Law.
Charles Peruto, Jr., with his lover and colleague Julia Law.Read more

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has asked an investigative grand jury to look into the death of Julia Papazian Law, the paralegal whose body was found facedown in a bathtub the apartment of her boss, criminal defense lawyer A. Charles Peruto Jr.

Tasha Jamerson, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Seth Williams, would say nothing more than to confirm the request for the grand jury's involvement, which was first reported by KYW-Radio.

Peruto did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The high profile defense lawyer was at the Shore when Law's body was found May 25 in his Rittenhouse Square apartment and officials have said there were no signs of foul play.

Authorities have not released an official cause of death, but law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation have said Law, 26, probably drowned in a bathtub, perhaps after a seizure.

A court source said Law had a blood alcohol count greater than .40. According to medical experts, a blood alcohol content of .35 or greater is potentially fatal.

Law enforcement officials said previously no drugs or alcohol were found at the scene, the room was undisturbed, and the liquor closet was closed in the apartment.

Peruto, 58, told police Law had sent him text messages late into the night before her body was found the following morning.

Peruto has described Law as his girlfriend. Her family has said the young woman, who grew up at the Shore, had been going through a difficult time after a romantic breakup with another man.