Dateline NBC: Burning Suspicion on Addison Avenue

Release Date: March 31, 2026
Host: NBC News

Episode Overview

This episode of Dateline NBC dives deep into the tragic and mysterious death of Jennifer Skipsey in a Palo Alto cottage fire, which quickly escalated from an accident to a suspected arson and murder. The story unfolds through interviews, court testimony, and emotional recollections, exploring the passionate, tumultuous romance of Jennifer and her boyfriend, Paul Zumat—who would ultimately stand trial for her murder not once, but twice. The episode is a compelling blend of true-crime investigation, courtroom drama, and the heartbreak of those left behind.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Fire and Immediate Aftermath

• The Blaze: The fire gutted almost everything in the Addison Avenue cottage; firefighters soon discovered someone hadn't made it out—later identified as Jennifer Skipsey.
• Initial Confusion and Grief: Jennifer's father, Jim Skipsey, describes the heartbreak of learning his daughter was gone.
  • "He told us Jenny was gone." (06:17 – Jim Skipsey)
• Paul’s Alibi: At the time of the fire, Paul Zumat was at his hookah lounge, having been alerted by a phone call. He says he raced to the scene, overwhelmed and confused.

Jennifer and Paul: Relationship Background

• Social and Romantic Life: Both young, attractive, and successful (Jennifer, an award-winning real estate agent; Paul, a local entrepreneur), their relationship was described as glamorous and fiery.
• Their Dynamic: Friends recall a passionate, sometimes unstable romance, marked by both affection and conflict.
  • "He looks good, he smells good, he presents well, he's witty, he's smart and he's just, he's affectionate." (02:55 – Nikisha Gottsav)

Early Investigation and Rising Suspicion

• Suspicions Surface: Soon after the fire, Jim Skipsey suspects foul play.
  • "This was no accident. It didn't have to happen." (06:37 – Jim Skipsey)
• Paul’s Police Interview: Emotional and sometimes inconsistent, Paul suggests possible threats from former friends, the Ganma brothers, with whom he and Jennifer had prior conflict and restraining orders.

Forensic Evidence and Case Building

• Arson Confirmed: A police dog and forensic examination reveal Jennifer’s body and the scene were doused in gasoline, with a gas can found beside her.
  • "You could smell it when you walked in... remnants of the gas can was found next to her right hip." (15:14 – Chuck Gillingham)
• Manner of Death: Forensic experts determine Jennifer was strangled before the fire—pointing to murder, not accidental death.
  • "Strangling someone's a very personal killing. That's a very angry killing." (16:04 – Chuck Gillingham)

Shifting Focus: The Boyfriend

• Clearing the Ganma Brothers: Video and receipts place them elsewhere during the fire.
• Scrutiny of Paul: Police focus on Paul, noting small inconsistencies in his account (e.g., changing his story about being home the day of the fire).
  • "Odd. But people's memories can be tricky..." (18:52 – Main Narrator)
• Past Relationship Issues: Testimony surfaces about tumultuous events—anger, restraining orders, 911 calls, and physical altercations.
  • Audio from Jennifer reveals cycles of romance and mistreatment.
  • "He wins your heart... then... he flips it and calls me ugly, fat, a gold digger." (22:29 – Jennifer Skipsey)

Digital and Circumstantial Evidence

• Deleted Text Messages: Forensic experts recover thousands of deleted texts between Jennifer and Paul, revealing escalating arguments hours before her death—fueled by anger over a debt and emotional turmoil.
  • "'You're nothing but a selfish, cold-hearted, ungrateful human being, scam artist, liar, furious.' That one didn't read like just any old quarrel." (24:11 – Main Narrator)
• Faked Presence: Prosecutors allege Paul used Jennifer’s phone to send misleading texts to her friends after her death, creating the illusion she was still alive.
  • Cell tower evidence places both their phones together, supporting this claim.

The Prosecution's Case

• Timeline of Murder: Prosecutor Chuck Gillingham presents a timeline suggesting Paul had both motive and opportunity: a heated argument, followed by missing, deleted messages, the purchase of gasoline, and the cottage set ablaze.
• Behavior at the Scene: Paul, typically in constant contact with Jennifer, made only two unsuccessful attempts to call her after arriving at the fire, but left no messages—uncharacteristic, given his usual pattern.
  • "If he wasn't able to get ahold of her, his silence, especially at the crime scene, was deafening." (28:17 – Chuck Gillingham)
• Physical Evidence: A police dog alerts to gasoline on Paul's clothes, though lab tests show no chemical residue.

The Defense’s Strategy

• Attorney Mark Garagos: A high-profile defense lawyer, Garagos challenges the prosecution's timeline and scientific evidence, questioning the reliability of cell tower data and the dog’s findings.
  • "People have dogs, they kind of ascribe supernatural powers to dogs... I'm certainly not going to want to convict somebody... based on dog evidence." (36:08 – Garagos)
• Alibi: Paul appears on security footage at the hookah lounge when prosecutors allege Jennifer was killed.
• Relationship Context: Garagos asserts their relationship was stormy on both sides, and the angry texts were typical, not uniquely incriminating.
• Paul Testifies: Against legal advice, Paul takes the stand to personally deny the charges and profess his love.
  • Emotional breakdown cited as sincere by his supporters, but seen as performed by jurors.

The Verdict(s) and Aftermath

• Jury Deliberations: Jurors focus on inconsistencies in Paul’s accounts and find his testimony non-credible.
  • "It didn't seem genuine... he chose to basically lie to us three times... we were able to prove that he lied to us..." (42:12 – Juror)
  • "If he hadn't testified, I can't say for sure, but I don't think I could have convicted him." (42:49 – Juror)
• First Trial Verdict: Guilty—Paul is sentenced to 25 to life for murder, plus eight years for arson.
• Retrial and Second Verdict: After a federal judge grants a new trial due to prosecutorial misconduct and inadequate defense, Paul is convicted again in 2025, this time sentenced to 30 years to life.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Jennifer’s Determination:
  • "Jennifer was a very strong, independent woman and she would not accept anyone disrespecting her." (03:55 – Roy Endeman)
• On the Aftermath:
  • "It hurt. It hurt a lot." (21:21 – Jim Skipsey)
• Paul’s Outburst During Police Interview:
  • "I care less about the house because my Jennifer's safety. I just cannot think anything right now, guys..." (08:29 – Paul Zumat)
• On the Jury's Reaction:
  • "The entire jury believed that it was a manufactured moment." (42:01 – Juror)
  • "If he hadn't testified, I can't say for sure, but I don't think I could have convicted him." (42:49 – Juror)
• Closing Reflection from Jennifer's Father:
  • "I can still hear her voice and see her smile. I know she's here." (44:06 – Jim Skipsey)

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• Start of Fire / Discovery of Body: 01:03–02:00
• Introduction of Jennifer & Paul: 02:11–03:55
• Paul’s Police Interview / Alibi: 06:57–09:56
• Discovery of Gasoline, Arson Confirmed: 14:47–16:13
• Focus Shifts to Paul / Relationship Turmoil: 18:04–22:29
• Deleted Texts, Digital Evidence: 24:11–27:11
• Courtroom and Defense Moves: 29:11–36:57
• Paul’s Testimony and Cross-Examination: 38:38–41:17
• Jury Deliberation & Guilty Verdict: 41:07–42:56
• Retrial and Final Outcome: 42:56–44:06

Conclusion

Burning Suspicion on Addison Avenue is a gripping exploration of love gone sour, forensic investigation, and the pursuit of justice through two trials. The episode skillfully weaves emotional testimony and complex evidence, culminating in a chilling verdict and lingering heartbreak for all involved. Whether highlighting romantic passion or unraveling digital footprints, Dateline NBC offers a haunting reminder of how quickly promising futures can go up in smoke.