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Uploaded: Friday, October 16, 2009, 5:45 PM
Updated: Monday, October 19, 2009, 9:55 AM

Palo Alto fatality identified as Jennifer Schipsi
Cause of blaze on Addison Avenue in Palo Alto still a mystery

by Gennady Sheyner
Palo Alto Online Staff

Posted by Sharon, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Oct 17, 2009 at 6:05 pm

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Posted by Hoeard, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 12:07 am

It seems odd that the name of the woman who lived in the house is not being reported, regardless of whether the body has been identified.

Posted by A Noun Ea Mus, a resident of the Professorville neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 12:51 am

A bit more information here.

Web Link

we'll hear more in due time I suppose.

Posted by crescent park resident, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 11:41 am

here's a photo of Schipsi & Zumot. so sad

Web Link

Posted by So sorry to read this, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 11:47 am

I used to walk past that address all the time when I lived on Addison. I am so sorry for the loss of life and my condolences to her family, coworkers and loved ones.

This unfortunately reminds me of this story:

Web Link

Posted by No Accident?, a resident of Mountain View, on Oct 19, 2009 at 12:22 pm

Informative article, A Noun Ea Mus.

Besides a very recent Harrasment case that Jennifer appears to have filed against a male other than her boyfriend, it would appear that, in 2008, she also filed a Domestic Violence case against her current boyfriend. Go to this site: Web Link, do a search on Jennifer's name, and you will find these cases.

[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Posted by Impressed, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Sounds like a story that could be featured on Forensic Files...and kudos to all of you for all of the above information. That's what I call citizen journalism...a picture and pior domestic violence case evidence that adds a lot more to this "article".

Posted by sad case, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 1:23 pm

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Posted by To Sad Case, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 1:39 pm

[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]

Posted by So sorry to read this, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 1:51 pm

The death to which I am referring involved a young woman who had an argument with her boyfriend. He left, then returned and killed her, then set fire to the bed and bedroom to cover up the crime. Unless one is a drinker/drug user and/or smoker and/or perhaps elderly and falls asleep very early in the evening, it's highly suspicious to die in one's own bed of smoke inhalation or burns unless there was a candle or cigarettes burning. In my mind, I originally envisioned an elderly, sickly person who couldn't get out in time after something like a gas or electrical problem. Discovering it was a young woman who was likely healthy makes this suspicious until more facts are known. Of course the police are keeping plenty to themselves at this time, as they should.

Posted by So sorry to read this, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 1:58 pm

Was finally able to get on the Santa Cruz Sentinel site. So she was a smoker, which certainly confuses things. Of course, her bf doesn't reveal their domestic violence issues w/her, AND he doesn't work that far away, so it is still very suspicious. What a horrible, tragic end to anyone's life. I hope her loved ones are getting the support they may be needing.

Posted by So sorry to read this, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:04 pm

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Posted by Bless her loved ones~, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:05 pm

There was much written after the original article was published. Palo Alto online staff collapsed all of it, for a reason, most likely to protect the case. The police have the posts which gave many details of interest. The truth will come to the surface. The delay, is probably for a reason. Prayers to the family with this sickening loss of such a bright spot in the world.

Posted by Mayfield Child, a resident of the Green Acres neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Hopefully if a case is made and it goes to trial that those of you who read and add to this post will not be contaminating the jury pool...........

Posted by So sorry to read this, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 5:20 pm

Juries can get contaminated by TV, radio and print media just as easily as by reading these posts.

Posted by Sad friend, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 5:36 pm

She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be truly missed but never forgotten, whether an accident or not the authorities will figure it out and someone will pay the price for taking her life from friends and family at such a young age...she is now a beautiful angel watching over us all...I will never forget you.

Posted by observation, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 6:16 pm

fire that burns like that - restricted to bedroom, flames coming out windows - has got to involve accelerant.

Posted by Ron, a resident of the Professorville neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 7:01 pm

The Police would not spend three days at the house if it was a accident.

Posted by Bless her loved ones~, a resident of another community, on Oct 19, 2009 at 10:11 pm

The story is out.

Web Link

May God hold her family ever so closely during this most difficult time.

Posted by Tamara, a resident of another community, on Oct 20, 2009 at 6:37 pm

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there are no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.