In a recent development, Jennifer Dulos, a Connecticut mother of five, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in May 2019, has been officially declared dead by a Connecticut court, more than four years after her unexplained vanishing. The decision comes just days before the commencement of the trial of Michelle Troconis, the ex-girlfriend of Jennifer’s estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, who was charged with her presumed murder.
Jennifer Dulos was last seen on May 24, 2019, in New Canaan, after dropping her children off at school. The subsequent investigation revealed a tumultuous divorce and custody battle between Jennifer and Fotis Dulos. Bloodstains found in the garage of her New Canaan home pointed to a violent struggle, and her black Chevy Suburban was discovered abandoned miles away, near a local park.
Fotis Dulos, charged with murder in connection to Jennifer’s disappearance, later died by suicide, leaving unanswered questions about her fate. His girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, and his civil lawyer faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
Legal Declaration and Family Concerns
Jennifer’s mother, Gloria Farber, who has been caring for the five children since her daughter’s disappearance, filed a petition last August in the Darien-New Canaan Probate Court to officially declare Jennifer dead. The move aimed to safeguard the children’s rights to their mother’s assets. Probate Judge William P. Osterndorf granted the petition in October, citing evidence supporting the claim that Jennifer had sustained non-survivable injuries.
Richard Weinstein, a lawyer for Jennifer’s mother, expressed concerns about Gloria Farber’s age (88) and the potential delay in Connecticut law automatically presuming Jennifer dead. The legal declaration ensures that the children can inherit from their mother and grandmother.
The Legal Landscape: Fotis Dulos’ Charges and Michelle Troconis’ Trial
Fotis Dulos faced murder charges seven months after Jennifer’s disappearance but died by suicide before standing trial. Troconis, pleading not guilty, is set to stand trial on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution.
Troconis was accused of assisting Fotis in creating an alibi, cleaning up after the alleged crime, and disposing of evidence. The trial, expected to last six to eight weeks, brings the focus back on the unresolved questions surrounding Jennifer’s disappearance.
Allegations and Evidence: The Timeline of Events
According to police, Fotis Dulos was lying in wait for Jennifer on the day she vanished. Blood-soaked items, including a shirt, bra, paper towels, cleaning supplies, rain ponchos, and zip ties, were found in garbage bags matching those seen in surveillance videos. DNA evidence linked Fotis to the items, with Troconis’ DNA found on one bag.
Troconis confirmed being in Fotis Dulos’ truck during the disposal of these bags but claimed ignorance about the contents. The prosecution alleges that the pair spent hours shuttling between their homes, attempting to clean and conceal evidence.
Michelle Troconis, now 49, had moved into the Farmington home shared by Jennifer and Fotis before Jennifer relocated with her children to New Canaan. Troconis faced charges of conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence and hindering prosecution. The trial may involve Kent Mawhinney, Fotis Dulos’ longtime friend and former attorney, who also pleaded not guilty to charges related to Jennifer’s disappearance.
Family’s Plea for Focus
As the trial unfolded, Jennifer Dulos’ friends and family released a statement expressing gratitude to authorities for their dedication. They urged that Jennifer remain the central focus and emphasized the loss her children have endured. The family seeks accountability and answers, recognizing that closure is elusive.
Conclusion
The legal declaration of Jennifer Dulos’ death brings a somber conclusion to a mysterious and tragic chapter. The trial of Michelle Troconis is poised to provide insight into the events leading to Jennifer’s disappearance and the subsequent attempts to cover up the alleged crime. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the community awaits answers and hopes for justice for Jennifer and her grieving family.
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