Death of Lawyer’s Son Is Probed

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office is investigating the death of Brent Edward Shapiro, the 24-year-old son of attorney and author Robert Shapiro, authorities said Wednesday.

Brent Shapiro, a recent USC graduate who had just enrolled in law school, died Monday after becoming ill over the weekend. A coroner’s official said the agency was investigating the possible role of drugs in Shapiro’s death.

“It’s being considered an accidental death,” said Lt. David Smith, a spokesman for the coroner’s office.

Shapiro was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Sunday morning after he was found unconscious. He died at the hospital Monday.

Hospital officials told the coroner’s office that Shapiro had tested positive for amphetamines, Smith said.

An official ruling on the death will not be made until the results of the coroner’s toxicology tests come back in eight to 10 weeks, Smith said.

Neither Robert Shapiro nor his office would comment on the death Wednesday.

A member of O.J. Simpson’s so-called dream team of attorneys, Robert Shapiro wrote the bestseller “The Search for Justice.” Brent Shapiro was his oldest son.

A funeral was held Wednesday at Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles, with a reception afterward at the Hillcrest Country Club. Internment will be at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Brent Shapiro is survived by his mother, Linell; and brother, Grant.