Fitzhugh guilty of second degree murder

Trial lasted just over four weeks

A Palo Alto jury has found Kenneth Fitzhugh guilty Thursday afternoon of second degree murder in the bludgeoning death of his wife Kristine.

The jury deliberated about three days. The verdict was read shortly before 4 p.m.

Kristine Fitzhugh was found dead May 5, 2000, her body at the bottom of the basement stairs in her home.

Police contended that Kristine was actually hit on the back of her head seven times and strangled in her kitchen. Blood spatter evidence was found throughout the kitchen.

The prosecution alleged that Kenneth Fitzhugh killed his wife because he found out she planned to tell their son his biological father was a longtime family friend she had had an affair with.