I am glad that the swift, hard work has produced results. If he is guilty, may he quickly be convicted. My thoughts are with her loved ones, friends and family at this nightmarish time.

No surprise there. Domestic Violence is the plague of women, and some men; and we live in a City that works very well with abuse victims. Too bad the County Court system doesn 't follow suit. We have judges in Family Law who deny abuse on a routine basis.

When will people sit up and take notice? How many women have to die?

It's usually the husband or the boyfriend. Look at Kristine Fitzhugh, Lacey Peterson, Nicole Simpson, and more. Crazy!

YSK,

Still quite sure we haven't heard the end of the story.

Wouldn't you agree?

[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

To people, especially women being abused: Please PLEASE find the courage and strengh to leave your abusers. If you found sound reason to file for a restraining order even ONCE, know that seldom do the abusers change. The only person who can save you at that point, is yourself. Get out, get away, get help. There IS help for you if you look for it. Or ask an Officer, they have resources right at the scene to offer if you request it. We can't stop the abuse if we keep letting these scumbags off the hook.

I would agree, yes. But, I also found my suspicions solidifying when I heard two things: One, he was going to propose to her THAT VERY WEEKEND, and Two, that he was quick to volunteer the names of the two men harassing her.

Yes, anyone would give the name of those people, but it all seemed a bit too neat. I was home that night, we smelled the fire, and I remember remarking to my mother that it made me sad that somewhere in this City right now, someone was suffering the loss, at the very least, of their home.

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

I just wish humans had the bravery, confidence, and self esteem to not return to relationships that are not good, much less abusive. The world is full of so much more potential for goodness.

Poor girl had warnings and it was good that she took action. What in the world overcame common sense such that she would return?

I hope we all help our young daughers to avoid such a situation so that good can come from a trajedy.

My neice was the sweetest and most gentle woman I've known. My family is suffering horribly through this odeal.
I want to thank the police departments involved, especially Sgt. Ryan..PAPD, for their dedication to their duty to protect and to serve. God bless the police, BATFE, and fire departments.
I'll never forget the first day I saw Jenny, she was the most beautiful and precious infant. That beauty followed he the rest of her life, only to be snuffed out by a jealous, souless and despicable "man".
I'll always love you, Jenny, my sweet Jenny.
Rest in the arms of Jesus until we are all reunited in heaven,

Our Loss

Oh God, this is so sad. My heart goes out to you and your family. So senseless...why why why?

I have a hard time believing that it was her boyfriend that killed her. There is another article that states she was very afraid for her and her boyfriend's life from two brothers (neighbors), which she had a restraining order against - you would think that the police should also FOCUS on them to learn where they were the day/night this occurred. They are jumping to conclusions because of restraining orders (which is common among unhealthy relationships). [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.] Her boyfriend was at work running a business..I just don't think - in spite of their past history that he had anything to do with this.

They're making him guilty because of an autopsy? What about the two brothers?

Well, either way, I hope the truth will surface and the right person goes away to pay for his crime.

I am amazed that people get so deeply inolved that they would kill someone on the one hand, and keep coming back tempting fate on the other. I wonder, for every case ... alledged case ... like this, how much violence is there in people's lives and how many people are coerced by violence or threats of violence on a daily basis in our society? What is the real truth for people, and how much do we really rationalize to justify it. What a sad situation.

Savannagh,
Let's all pray that you are not called for jury duty in this, or any other case! I would think the police know 1000 times more than you've gleaned from this article.

That's what it is. They book the person then they pray for an evidence. For her sake, let's not judge the man she loved before he is found guilty in the court of law.

Whoa.... I remember when this guy bought that hookah lounge. I used to go to it when it was owned by the little old lady, and I went once with the new owner and I never went back. The hookah sucked and the owner seemed like a creep. I feel so awful for the poor girl and her family. I just found out a good friend is in an abusive relationship and I wish every day that she would get out while she still can. I hope justice is served.

This is so heart breaking. What a lovely young woman. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and the "Our loss" poster above. My heart goes out to all of you.

The only peace of mind right now is that the police worked swiftly and have this swine in custody.

@ Savannagh, you really do not give the PAPD,ATF and the FBI much credit do you? The boyfriend worked about 1/4 mile from their shared home, and you don't think he could have slipped away from work at anytime and very quickly returned to work without even being noticed?
And that's just the first verse!
I agree with 'Ummmmmm', above. Let's hope you're not on the jury!

There is a mountain of evidence, justice will be served, but a life is lost forever. Those left behind are the ones with the greatest pain and sorrow. All our prayers and good thoughts need to be sent to her family and friends. The path ahead is long...

Memories Eternal~

This reminds me a lot of the Felicia Moore murder in SF. Her boyfriend killed her, then set fire to the bedroom to obscure the crime. He was convicted.

If Zumore is guilty, he had the means. She could've been killed hours earlier, then the place set on fire any time that he could've arranged an alibi since he worked so close by. He could get to work in a few minutes and it can take longer than that for a fire to be noticed. Conversely, he could've snuck out of his place of business.

My early guess: he killed her the night before or early that morning, than later in the day set the fire or perhaps had help setting the fire, although that's less likely. Her being a smoker, having stalkers and his story of the intended proposal were to paint a picture of a loving, innocent domestic partner confused by the events - did she set the fire accidentally smoking in bed? Was she killed by the stalker brothers? Oh, but innocent old me, the local businessman ....forget those domestic violence incidents between the 2 of us...I've changed my ways in a short period of time and want to marry her, protect her and take care of her. Right, like the local cops, ATF & other feds are going to believe that drivel. He was no pro, except adept enough at violence to likely end her life.

I knew Jen's father and his family when they lived back East, and I remember when Jen was born. Over the years, I had heard about Jen and how well she was doing in her field. May Jen now rest in peace, and may Jen's family and extended family have my/our thoughts and prayers as they endure such a sad ordeal. God bless.

Our deep sympathy goes to Jennifer's family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. We regret we did not get to know Jennifer in her new neighborhood. May she rest in peace. If there is a memorial, will you please let us know? We would like to pay our respects.

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Dear Nancy,

Paul was a CHRISTIAN, he grew up getting mocked in JORDAN by people of other religions. To quote you - Shame shame shame on you. I think it's a shame you went to post such a misleading anti-muslim post like that.

I'm shocked by this article and this event. I know they had a terrible relationship and Paul is a very troubled person. [Portion removed.] I am totally floored to read this. Regardless of religion and heritage, I truly hope that the case is solved and that the person responsible pays the full penalty.

to the Schipsis, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know there are many people thinking of you at this painful time in your lives, and hoping that each day will bring you a little more peace.
I'm so sorry to hear about this...

[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Basically he was the boyfriend that was closest to her. They arrested him, and now they need to collect all evidence to find out if it was him or not. I think we should not jump to the bullet, until the results are actually in plain print. Not defending him, I think there is a justice system.. and before we put the blame we need to bring in all evidence and not block any other people out of the picture.

Kudos to you Nancy, blame the Muslims and the Persians. Spread the hate Ignorant!

My prayers go out to the Schipsi family. My daughter always had good things to say about Jennifer. Unfortunately, I also heard about this abusive man. Let's hope the system works and get some justice for Jennifer and hopefully prevent this from happening to another woman.

What is going on? I feel they are fishing for evidence after they arrest the man. It also seems that the paper is trying to influence public opinion by removing comments that question the investigation techniques. What happen to our "innocent until proven guilty"? oh wait, is it guilty until proven innocent? I don't know any more. RIP Jennifer you are an angel now.

Our first homicide since 7/08

Why do they remove portions in support of the boyfriend. Did they condemn him already without trial? There is a justice system in this country, that is what we pride ourselves in vs the rest of the bckwards world.

Let the police and the justice system do their jobs.

It's a shame that a beautiful woman would endure the antics of this guy - very sad.

I would see him at Equinox Fitness in Palo Alto. He looked like a typical guy in his 30s. A person just out to have a good time. Flashy without much substance. A tragedy through and through.

Women please leave these types of guys. There are a lot of other nice men out there. Really!

Jennifer was a beautiful person that did not deserve this to happen to her..I know that justice will be served and the person that did this will pay the price. Since torture is not allowed in this country as a punishment for such a horrendous crime I hope whoever did this gets the maximum punishemnt and suffers everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all of her friends. The world was made a better place by Jen and all those such touched...I will truly miss you!

>"But literally everyone in the department, from the chief to the lowest beat officer, was involved," he said.

There is nothing low about a beat officer. Poor choice of words Sgt. Ryan.

Jen was a friend of mine, and she will be missed! She was beyond BEAUTIFUL inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with her parents and siblings.... I am truly sorry....

I wrote earlier and had my phrase deleted???? Why..???I wrote about what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty. Isnt that what the justice system is about. Why take that out, unless there basically is NO JUSTICE in this country. I wrote about him being a Christian, and how people are judgemental based on someone being of middle eastern decent. Not defending ... but bring out all the evidence, and dont block out any other possible people. I hope justice will be served.

The worst part of this tragedy is that EVERYONE and their MOTHER knew about this abusive relationship.

Friends, family members and everyone out there who may know women and men that are in abusive relationships or similar situations...please, please know that YOU can make a difference. Don't wait until it's too late. I'd rather lose a friendship over it than lose a friend like this.

RIP Jennifer Marie and God bless all of your family and friends.

Because public opinion does matter, I want to add that the police and other investigators were very professional and kind in this terrible tragedy. They worked non-stop at the house where it happened, interviewed neighbors and lots of other things I won't even know about. Of course the case has to be proven; I deeply believe in innocent until proven guilty. Just want to note that I've now had personal experience of the excellent police (and fire investigation and ...) work done in this sad situation.

I am still horrified by this tragedy! I'd met Jennifer a few times and, I have to agree with her friend, she really was beautiful inside AND out!

[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

The police deserve serious kudos for all their hard work in this case. I truly hope whoever is responsible for Jennifer's gruesome death gets maximum punishment and justice is served!

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

I am related to the Schipsi family. I just gotta say, some of the comments I have read here are heartless and disturbing. Who cares why Jennifer didn't leave him? Do any of you have a heart? What about this poor family who has lost such a beautiful young woman? What about what they are going through now? I could care less about her boyfriend, or anyone else you Sherlock Holmes wannabees are commenting on. Its not to late for you all to find your heart, and pray for my family, and poor Jennifer.

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

"I" didn't do it!!!

I don't care about the ethnicity/religion of these people, and I don't care that the dead woman was pretty. What I do care about is that the murder is properly investigated and that the guilty person/persons are apprehended and sentenced.
If this young woman's death was the result of relationship violence it is sad that she didn't end the relationship before it was too late, but that still doesn't mean it was her fault that she got murdered.

My condolences to her family and friends.

Rob? Many people grieve for Jennifer. They may not have known her, but a loss of a life is still a loss for us all. Many people know someone like Jennifer, a woman (maybe even a man) who is stuck in an abusive relationship and apparently powerless to leave. People aren't being deliberately heartless, they are feeling powerless and frustrated.

With all due respect to jennifer's family, I hope that they are given the patience to deal with this tragety . I think that we should not jump to conclusions, and Let justice play this one out. a criminal will dig his or her own down fall. i dont want to blame any one for this crime until the truth comes out. Lets not be haters and turn this into a religious and a nationality crime. Every one is responsible for their own actions. We should not blame any one group for this because of an action of one person. What we should do is give support to jennifers's family for their loss and also give support for the boyfriends family as well for what happend until we know the truth.

it is so sad that this young lady has died!!! whoever did it should be punished to the fullest! however to blame and assume this man is guilty right away is a shame on us! we do not know what the cops know and we definitely were not there to know exactly what happened! so we should just pray that she may rest in peace and that whoever did it is caught and punished!!

It is sad that often it is the case that the husband or boyfriend is the perpetrator in cases like this. If he committed this crime, Paul should be punished severely - even given the death penalty if appropriate, in my opinion.

It should be noted, however, that often the police focus on the husband or boyfriend - full steam ahead - and ignore other possible perps. One article said the police were not even considering these two possible perps. that the lady had filed a restraining order against very recently. Nobody should rush to judgment against the boyfriend until it is actually proven that this crime was not the result of Jennifer's dealings with these other two men. Just saying - let's give this another look - and if Paul did it - fine.....but if he didn't do it - - - let's get who really killed Jennifer.

I'm a long time customer of Da Hookah Spot. I knew Paul and Jenifer. She was the sweetest girl. Paul kept going on edge. His behavior got worse over the past year. His close friends, workers and customers started distancing themselves from him because of his erratic behavior. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.] I remember them dressing up together last holloween as Napoleon and Josephine. What a shame - she was a beautiful girl, inside and out. May God give peace to her and her family. May God grant due justice to those who suffer and to those who deserve His punishment indeed.

I had the pleasure of working with her father and meeting her mother. There is no greater tragedy in life than loosing a child. Phil and Peg, may God bless you and your loved ones. You are forever in my prayers.

Regarding..

"It should be noted, however, that often the police focus on the husband or boyfriend - full steam ahead - and ignore other possible perps. One article said the police were not even considering these two possible perps. that the lady had filed a restraining order against very recently. Nobody should rush to judgment against the boyfriend until it is actually proven that this crime was not the result of Jennifer's dealings with these other two men. Just saying - let's give this another look - and if Paul did it - fine.....but if he didn't do it - - - let's get who really killed Jennifer."

Well obviously at the trial all the available evidence will be presented. If I had to wager as to who is really guilty I'd bet it was the defendant and give good odds. But the true decision should be a legal one and only the police and the jury (and any involved reporters) will see all the available evidence.

I doubt the police investigators just out of hand didn't consider all credible suspects or scenarios, especially anyone that a restraining order was taken out against. Just as they probably also had to consider initially that, as the victim smoked per boyfriend allegation, that she might have fallen asleep while smoking (but around 6PM?).

What is weird about the restraining orders is that the victim took one out against the accused boyfriend back in 2008, but as early as Sept. 09 took out the restraining orders against the other people. And that was because of what was (apparently?) a consensual kiss which occurred between the victim and one of the brothers. If the defendant is guilty I wonder if then the restraining order was done per his input in order to manufacture an alternative suspect, and is then evidence of pre-meditation?

So imagine that you are the defendant's attorney. If the physical and circumstantial evidence is overwhelming that is one thing. But if deficient by fact or spin that opens up that you'd be negligent to not use the restraining order the victim (with defendant's urging??) filed against the Ghanma brothers. To achieve "reasonable doubt".

I can see it now..

"Ghanma what a big restraining order you have."

"The better to hang the jury with my dear."

a weird memory from my past surfaces

A long time ago, about 1973 or so, I lived in an apartment behind some good friends with a couple young kids. It was July 4th and the neighborhood was having a driveway fireworks celebration and a ton of kids and parents were over there, I also.

One woman (her kid there also) had a husband who was drinking heavily and they were having a bitter ongoing argument/relationship. Suddenly amidst the fireworks rifle shots were being fired into the trees above and he was drunk and yelling stuff like "that's nothing, you should have seen Korea". I was over more on a side yard and suddenly all the kids and parents moved ala refugees back into the main house. I was near a big tall stand of Magnolias and just ducked into them and watched the guy stand there with the rifle and yell.

Suddenly his wife came tearing across the street and yelling at "Jerry". They got into a short altercation, he pushed her to the ground and shot her...or so it looked like, he shot at her side. But I was there thinking "OMG he just shot her in the stomach". Instead she got up and they yelled at each other and went inside.

Shortly after going inside a cop car pulled up and the officers rang the bell. The couple appeared in the doorway arm in arm, professing their love for each other and denying there was any problem. That image burned into my mind forever.

Sometimes it's hard to help people unless the rules get pretty intrusive.

Ooops (before a "tusky" retort). Not Magnolias, but Camelias.

It's all just too much.

I knew Paul, I had met Jennifer a few times... Nice gal. I used to work at that place before it changed into his hands, then I left to work at a startup, He always commented on the Cayenne, and I always gave him shit about his slow rover... I always had a gut feeling something is wrong with him, perhaps a jelous person, oh well. I wouldnt expect him to go to these lengths, and its a shock because I was there just a few days before... What a shame,

Godspeed Jen

On behalf of the Ghanma family, Tony and Hisham would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt sorrow to the family and friends of Jennifer Schipsi. They genuinely loved Jennifer for the warm and wonderful person that she was and considered her a friend. Their thoughts and prayers are with her family during this horrible tragedy. At this time, to preserve the integrity of the investigation and ongoing prosecution of Bulos Zumot, the Ghanma’s do not wish to release any further information.

The Ghanma family would like to thank the Palo Alto Police Department for the respect afforded to them during their thorough investigation of this matter and express their appreciation for their wift efforts in pursuing justice.

I used to work in Palo Alto and I spent a lot of time in the evenings frequenting the club scene around the area. One night, a friend felt I should not be driving and told me to hang with these two guys he knew that owned the Hookah Spot. My car was right across the street and there were people inside, so I felt reasonably safe. This guy, the owner- told me there was a second lounge downstairs with lots of people in it where they weren't doing the Hookah stuff (I'm not into it). I went down the stairs and realized there was no one there. I was getting ready to leave when he promised that there would be people down in just a minute. I waited for about a minute, then got up to leave. He was sitting on the couch there and pulled out his (for lack of a better word) "business." I shrieked "You put that thing away!" and tore up the stairs. As I went up the stairs, I realized he had put a chain up across the entry way on his way down behind me. It was so freaking creepy.

I ended up sleeping it off at a friend's house several blocks away, but I never forgot what can happen when a creepy guy sees an opportunity. I told my friend to tell him that next time I saw him I was going to punch him in the "business." Now I don't even go near there. I found out today in one of my classes about this case and it horrified me that this guy ended up hurting his girlfriend. I absolutely believe he did it.

Jenn, may your delicate soul rest in peace!

I hope as citizens we will be privy to continual updates of the investigation from the various sources? I will follow this blog and request all of you share any updates you may have for us. May justice prevail.

Notice to women who find themselves entangled in similar situations - get HELP and get OUT. Please do not become another statistic. Don't think for a split second that this cannot happen to you and that you are protected. I pray these words of caution will motivate you to break free.

To the Schipsi family, we are sorry for your loss! May the Lord be with you, now and forever.

***Gutted!

There are so many terrible facets to this story and I am certain as it unfolds it will get uglier and uglier. Jesus forgave the bastards but I can't. This has so many ripples and reaches so far into the lives of those who knew Jennifer it is so hard to balance the sorrow and the anger. I know one thing though, there is a God almighty and the Lord Jesus Christ is the savior of all mankind. We are not meant to lose ourselves over this but to truly believe Jennifer is alive in CHrist where no harm can touch her again. As far as the man who did this to her..well lets just take solace in the fact that there will be tongues gnashing, screaming, fear, torture, torment, sulfur, and agony for the next 7 billion years...still it seems too good for him.

this is a sad story, i actually was driving when i saw the flames. its sad in reading the conclusion. She told the judge she was assualted by her neighbor, seems like she was use to this type of behavior, she could not break it. there should be a law that once charges are filed they need to stay filed. jen seemed sweet and confused, rest in peace.

last thing, men arnt always the abusers, women can also be the aggresor but in most cases will go un reported due to the mans ego..so pls women stop it..

To all of Jennifer family and friends. This is Horrible and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you all the strength to pull through this sad and difficult time.

I had knew Paul a little bit and met Jennifer two years ago when they had started dating. She was a very sweet girl, and beautiful as well. May her memory be in everyone's heart and soul. This is a sad story may JENNIFER be rested and now be a precious beautiful angel.

I give my condolences to all of Jennifer's family and friends.

A little experience with life will inform most people that it takes two to tango over a long period of months or years. It is so tragic that these people did not have the sense to rid their respective lives of each other and fix their own problems and move on. Who knows what, or if there was some kind of "co-dependence" or just what happened here, but the end result appears to be an ugly out of control and permanent painful mess to all of those involved.

The burned house is not too far from where I live, and I wonder how many other dramas of this intensity play out that we never hear about? Coupled with the suicides in Palo Alto lately, I cannot help but wonder what it means for the city?

In response to "STOOL's" comment, I think it is a mistake to call "women" aggressors, especially without evidence, but women can provoke, or be passive aggressive, and sometimes seem to get something out of walking the dangerous edge of something believing they are safe. I think that could be understood in a domestic disturbance or altercation, but this went long past that apparently. What lost people these were to dance so dangerously with each other like this. It's very sad things got so out of control.

If the story is as it is explained, I could understand the accused losing it, but not this arson and cover up. If's he's guilty, he should have admitted it, and begged for mercy ... mercy which he now should not get. But this cover up of arson which endangered more life and property, and what was a cowardly refusal to own up to his own out of control criminality really compounds the crime many times.

By the way ... the property at 969 Addison is listed in Zillow as a 2.5 million dollar 5BR, 3.5 BA and .... "cottage" is listed in the dictionary as a small modest dwelling - is there an error in the reporting, because I keep hearing the word "cottage" being used here?