I am innocent!

Paul Zumot was found guilty for the murder of his girlfriend Jennifer Schipsi. There was no smoking gun, no physical evidence, no confession, no videotape proving his guilt.

There were videotapes showing he had an alibi at the time of the murder and arson, he was miles away from the crimescene. But of course the prosecution could not use that to convict him.
A restraining order against two men just a week before her murder, because Jennifer feared for her and Paul's life. But of course the prosecution could not use that to convict him.
Although there was a taped phonecall of Jennifer complaining about Paul, there was also a tape of Jennifer talking about how she was sexually abused by her own father. Maybe that's why Paul called Jim Schipsi a monster at his sentencing trial?  But of course the prosecution could not use that to convict him.

What remained was circumstancial evidence. So called heated text messages exchanged between Paul and Jennifer was supposed to show Paul was emotionally and physical abusive towards Jennifer. I say so called, because Jennifer was the one ranting on and on and Paul was just trying to calm her down. But even if he did,  who hasn't sent an angry text message to a girlfriend before? Better think again. A few heated text messages could get you convicted.

On October 29 Paul Zumot was sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder of Jennifer Schipsi and an additional 8 years for arson. He didn't receive life without parole, but still it is 33 years too long because he did not do the crime. At his sentencing Paul spoke out.

To the judge: " You are corrupt. You always sided with the DA and you abused your power."
To Sunseri: "Shame on you. How do you sleep at night? You know you framed me. I am an innocent man!"
To Maloney: "You all are liars, corrupt. I am innocent. I did not commit any crime. The truth will come out and I will be free."

Of course prosecutor Chuck Gillingham twisted Paul's outburst to his own advantage:

"That was a unique experience, but I'm not altogether surprised that he would react that way. That was all gamesmanship-to have him be in charge. But he didn't have the control, the judge did."

Paul's outburst was what it was; An innocent man crying out for justice.
Justice hasn't been served. The fight continues.

www.paulzumot.com