Partner of shooting victim found dead

Claudia Figueroa

A man suspected in connection with the shooting of a Newport Beach

business man was found dead in his Irvine home Thursday of an apparent

suicide.

The body of Dr. Larry Ford, a partner of James Patrick Riley, who was

shot through the cheek Monday in Irvine, was discovered Thursday

afternoon by his wife in the couple’s Irvine home, authorities said.

Ford’s attorney, Stephen Klarich, said his client was at his office early

that afternoon to discuss the possibility of Ford being arrested.

Klarich said Ford left his office at 12:30 p.m.

“Police were only looking at Ford as both a witness and a suspect in the

crime,” Klarich explained. “He said he didn’t want to put his family

through the trauma of a trial.”

Dino D’Saachs, 56, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to charges of

conspiracy and attempted murder. Police said D’Saachs, a Los Angeles

business man, is suspected of driving the getaway vehicle after the

attempted slaying of Riley, the chief executive officer at Biofem Inc.,

where Ford was the director of science.

Riley was shot in the face as he arrived for work Monday morning at his

Irvine Spectrum office.

Police searched Ford’s residence Wednesday and found substantial evidence

indicating his involvement in a conspiracy to kill Riley. Investigators

said D’Saachs had known Ford for 15 years.

Prosecutors speculated that the incident was a conspiracy between three

assailants to assassinate Riley for financial gain.

“We’re not sure if Ford’s death is in connection to filing the case on

Wednesday,” said Irvine police Lt. Sam Allevato.

Riley and Ford were business partners for about 12 years and their

“relationship was good,” said Klarich.

Riley was released Wednesday from Mission Hospital Regional Medical

Center. Allevato said police do not know if Ford made contact with Riley

before his death, said Allevato.