Nasa Scientist Killed In ‘Safe’ Palo Alto

A NASA computer scientist has been beaten to death near his home, and police said Sunday they have no suspects and no leads in the slaying.

Three men killed Herbert Kay on Thursday in what was described as a random attack in downtown Palo Alto as Kay went on his customary evening walk.

It was the first homicide this year in Palo Alto, a well-to-do city 27 miles south of San Francisco.

“It’s very unusual,” said police detective Jim Coffman. “Things like this do not occur in Palo Alto. It’s generally a safe city.”

There were only two homicides last year, and police said those victims knew their assailants.

Residents have placed flowers, candles and condolence cards at the scene of Kay’s killing. An open letter urges the killers to surrender.

Kay, 39, received a doctorate in computer science at the University of Texas in December and moved to California with his wife and 2-yearold twin daughters in April.