Bulos "Paul” Zumot was arraigned Friday in Santa Clara County Superior Court on charges of killing his girlfriend Jennifer Schipsi last week and setting fire to the bedroom of their Palo Alto home with her body inside.
Zumot, 36, was arrested Monday evening after police and fire investigators spent four days conducting a round-the-clock examination of the couple’s small home at 969 Addison Ave.
The owner of Palo Alto smoking lounge Da Hookah Spot was formally charged with murder and arson yesterday afternoon at the Palo Alto Courthouse. He is being held without bail and could face a maximum of 33 years to life if convicted, according to Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Amy Cornell.
On Oct. 15, firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at the home and found Schipsi’s body in the front bedroom, where investigators said the fire was started.
An autopsy determined that Schipsi, 29, was murdered before the fire began. She was working as a real estate agent, according to Palo Alto police spokesman Agent Dan Ryan.
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Palo Alto police are still investigating the death and have a team of detectives assigned to the case, Ryan said. He declined to give more details, but said "we have a lot of work to do.”
Police have been questioning people who attended a birthday party for Zumot the night before Schipsi died.
Ryan previously said that the pair had an "on again, off again” relationship but had moved in together recently.
According to the statement of fact filed with the court by Palo Alto police Det. Aaron Sunseri, court records show that Schipsi requested an emergency restraining order against Zumot on Aug. 24 after he threatened her.
Schipsi had also filed restraining orders in the past against other people, according to court records.
Zumot is scheduled to return to the Palo Alto Courthouse Nov. 6 to enter a plea.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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