Prominent Phila. atty cleared in girlfriend's death

An investigative grand jury in February 2014 found no evidence of criminal activity in the death of Julia Law, a 26-year-old who was found dead in the bathtub of her boyfriend, Charles Peruto Jr., a high-profile Philadelphia defense attorney. Law, who worked as a paralegal at Peruto's law firm, was reportedly found naked, face down in a bathtub inside Peruto's Center City condo on May 25, 2013 by a maintenance worker. Authorities did not say what prompted them to take the case to the grand jury. Peruto, 58, was reportedly in Avalon, N.J. for the weekend and was not at home when Law was found.

Charles Peruto Jr., left, who was voted "Super Lawyer" by his peers for nine consecutive years, according to his law firm's website, and is best known for his work in criminal defense, reportedly began dating Law, a graduate of Drexel University, shortly before her death. In a Facebook message posted after Law's death, he referred to his girlfriend and employee as his "soul mate." Attorney Rich DeSipio, who described himself as a friend and associate of both Peruto and Law, told CBS Philly that Peruto was distraught upon hearing of the 26-year-old's death.

An obituary in the Atlantic City Press described Law as a beautiful and kind-hearted woman who enjoyed dance and cartooning.

Charles Peruto Jr. in an undated personal photo.