By Ranjan Bhaduri,
Palo Alto, CA, Oct. 20 (THAINDIAN NEWS) 29 year old Jennifer Schipsi was found dead in her Addison Avenue Cottage, and was burned beyond recognition. Her boyfriend, and live-in partner Bulos Paul Zumot was arrested for the homicide.

Schipsi, had moved in with 36 year old Zumot from San Jose to Palo Alto around a month ago.

Zumot, the owner of a ‘Hookah Lounge’, is believed to have started the fire in the apartment to cover up the evidence. The autopsy reports reveal a likeliness that the victim was dead even before the fire started. There is also a likelihood that the Schipsi was a victim of “passion and obsession”.

Zumot and Schpsi had an on and off relation going on for a long time which sometimes turned violent. Sources say that there was evidence of domestic violence in their past. Schpsi had also got the court to issue a restraining order against Zumot in the past. In his defense Zumot claimed that he had no idea what had caused the fire. He also revealed that the apartment stove was faulty and that the victim had a habit of smoking in bed. He also stated that they had a vacation planned ahead of them where he was going to surprise the victim with a ring.

Earlier in February 2008, the couple had broken up after which Zumot harassed Schipsi by damaging her Merc. He was even convicted after he threatened her 88 times in a single day.

The night before the fire, Zumot celebrated his 36th birthday where Schipsi was also present. Zumot has been arrested on two charges-homicide and arson. However, the case is not closed with the investigation still going on and the authorities searching for more witnesses that could place Zumot at the crime scene.