The owner of the Hookah Bar in Palo Alto is accused of strangling his girlfriend to death and then burning their house down to conceal the crime. Bulos "Paul" Zumot's request for a reduction in bail was denied Friday by Judge Jerome Nadler who set no bail, keeping Zumot behind bars throughout his legal fight. His case is being handled in San Jose.
Zumot, who coincidentally is represented by Los Angeles celebrity attorney Mark Geragos, claims he has a surveillance video of him working in his bar at the time of the fire. This has yet to be substantiated.
The victim is Jennifer Schipsi, but little details of her are known. We do know that she accused her previous boyfriend of domestic violence. The alleged batterer was arrested, but the case had little to no merit. Also coincidentally I happened to represent the defendant in that case. Having no merit, it was dismissed. Schipsi's alleged murder followed only a few months after that dismissal.
This case leaves many unanswered questions.
If you have been charged with a crime you need legal representation. Call the Law Offices of Erik Steven Johnson at (408) 246-3004. Know your rights!
