HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – A missing Connecticut mother of five, Jennifer Dulos, who disappeared in May 2019, has been declared legally dead, with her late estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, charged with her murder. The news of the declaration comes days before the trial of Fotis Dulos’ girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, who is facing charges of conspiracy and helping cover up the alleged crime.
Dulos was in the midst of a bitter divorce and custody battle when she vanished, with authorities alleging that her estranged husband killed her, and that his then-girlfriend assisted him in creating an alibi and disposing of evidence. Fotis Dulos was charged with felony murder and kidnapping in connection with his wife’s disappearance, but he killed himself while out on bail. Troconis faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution, with her trial set to begin soon.
A probate judge granted a request by Jennifer Dulos’ mother, Gloria Farber, to declare her daughter dead to protect the family’s assets, despite state statutes typically requiring a person to be presumed dead seven years after going missing.
Troconis has pleaded not guilty to all charges and her attorney has claimed that she thought the Duloses’ divorce was amicable when she moved in with Fotis Dulos.
The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
In summary, Jennifer Dulos, whose body was never found, has been declared legally dead, and her estranged husband was charged with her murder before taking his own life. His girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, is now facing trial for conspiracy and covering up the alleged murder. The legal proceedings surrounding the case continue.