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Trial Begins For Palo Alto Lounge Owner Accused Of Murder

PALO ALTO (AP) -- The trial of a Palo Alto lounge owner accused of killing his girlfriend and setting fire to their home has begun in Santa Clara County court.

The jury heard opening arguments Monday in the case against Bulos "Paul" Zumot, who is charged with murdering 29-year-old Jennifer Schipsi in October 2009.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that Deputy District Attorney Chuck Gillingham claims Zumot tried to cover his tracks by deleting heated text messages he and Schipsi exchanged before her death.

Gillingham said the couple's two-year relationship was marred by domestic violence.

Defense attorney Mark Geragos said there is no evidence to support the cell-phone claims. He says Zumot had intended to propose to Schipsi and was distraught over her death.

(© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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