He was a convicted murderer. He showed no such compassion to his victim. He should have died in prison.

What is the purpose and goal of printing this story now? This is a tragic event that should have had a publication end with his death over 1 year ago. Unfortunately, the emotional toll for those left behind continues privately but should not be publicly retold at the cost of their peace. Shame on you weekly!!

He died over a year ago ... Why is this news now?

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I think this is legitimate news, and I was glad to be able to read it, even though he died last year. He did a terrible thing, and it happened in our community, and people know the family. It is important to know how it ended.

I don't really know why this "compassionate release" was invoked here. His murder of his wife who did not have a chance was brutal and ugly. I think it was wrong to let him out, because I seriously doubt if this person was not from Palo Alto and was not white and upper class he would have been released. This is just more classism and racism, albeit not that important, but it still sends a message and has a meaning.

Really? Compassionate parole for a lying, cold-blooded murderer? He should have died in prison.

"Compassionate Parole." Horrifying that such a thing even exists. How much compassion did he show to his wife, her children, their family and friends and the children she taught when he brutally murdered her in their sanctuary, their home? He should have died in prison. His wife died at the bottom of the cellar steps, he got to die in comfort. I don't understand why society is so hung up on the rights of the criminal versus the suffering of the victim and victimS. The actions of a criminal causes suffering by so many.

Must be a very slow news day for the Weekly to dredge up this old story and force the family to have this tragedy publicized yet again.

In this season of giving, couldn't you find something helpful and positive to write about instead?

My prayers are with the sons and other family members of the Fitzhughs.

The other thread is still here, however seems to have been locked down, not for people critical of the story, but it seems like it might have been for people critical of allowing Fitzhugh to be released by the compassionate release program. I also disagree with the release, though it makes little difference, it just seems like such a pointless brutal act if committed by someone a bit further from the Palo Alto norm, i.e. culturally or racially who committed the same act would probably not have seen such compassion.

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For those who are critical of the article for dredging up the family's pain....Please understand that so many of us either knew Ms. Fitzhugh personally or came to care for her after she was gone. We became invested in her and her sons, who showed such courage, strength, and integrity during the entire ordeal. To know that Mr. Fitzhugh is gone puts anxieties to rest for us. I know we're secondary to the family, but do try to understand that those of us who care do it out of a sense of compassion and admiration for her loved ones.