‘Nothing can bring Jennifer back’: Farber family awaits Troconis’ trial after she’s declared dead

Nearly five years after Jennifer Farber Dulos disappeared in New Canaan, the family and loved ones of the 50-year-old mother of five who was declared legally dead in October are preparing for Michelle Troconis’ trial.

The trial for Michelle Troconis, the former girlfriend of Farber Dulos’ estranged husband Fotis Dulos, is scheduled to begin at Stamford Superior Court at 10 a.m. Thursday. She is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in connection to Farber Dulos’ disappearance on May 24, 2019. Her trial was set to start earlier this week but was delayed after an alternate juror dropped out.

Troconis is one of two people facing charges in connection with the disappearance and death of Farber Dulos. Fotis’ former lawyer, Kent Mawhinney, is also awaiting trial.

“It has been more than four years and seven months since Jennifer Farber Dulos was murdered and disappeared,” said Carrie Luft, a spokesperson for Farber Dulos’ family and friends. “We, her family and friends, have waited patiently, understanding that the justice process moves slowly and deliberatively, especially given the disruption of a global pandemic.”

Long-awaited trial for Michelle Troconis begins this week. Here’s what you need to know

Farber Dulos’ family said they are looking not for closure but for some accountability and answers to what happened to the beloved mother, daughter and friend.

“We do not seek closure, as nothing can bring Jennifer back,” the family said. “Our hope is that this trial provides for accountability and answers.”

Dulos and his estranged wife were entangled in a lengthy, hostile divorce and custody battle at the time of her disappearance.

Farber Dulos’ case captured national media attention in 2019, as the extensive search for her was underway. As it moves back into the spotlight, her loved ones hope that her memory and her loss are the focal point of the story.

“As this trial begins, it is crucial to remember who is at the center: Jennifer, whose five children have lost their mother and, as an eventuality, both parents,” the statement from the family said. “Jennifer’s family and loved ones have lost a loving daughter, sister, cousin and lifelong friend.”

Luft also asked that the privacy of Farber Dulos’ loved ones be respected during the trial.

Farber Dulos’ body has never been found, but a probate judge in October officially declared her legally dead. The declaration was made by Darien-New Caanan Probate Judge William P. Osterndorf on Oct. 24, 2023, according to court administrators and multiple media reports.

After Farber Dulos missed appointments in New York City on May 24, 2019, friends reported her missing. Her SUV was later found at nearby Waveny Park, launching a search of the 300-acre park that involved helicopters and K-9 units.

While searching Farber Dulos’ home on Welles Lane in New Canaan, investigators reportedly found evidence of blood they claim was indicative of a violent crime in the garage, records show. They also reportedly found evidence that the scene had been cleaned, according to police.

Days later, investigators searched the mansion Dulos and Troconis shared at 4 Jefferson Crossing in Farmington, and a massive search zeroed in on Albany Avenue in Hartford.

Dulos, and a woman who appeared to be Troconis, were seen reportedly on surveillance video driving down Albany Avenue as Dulos repeatedly got out and placed different items into different trash bins and a storm drain.

Investigators scoured the area and reportedly found license plates that had been tampered with wrapped in a box and a Vineyard Vines T-shirt reportedly stained with Faber Dulos’ blood that police allege she was wearing the morning she disappeared, according to court records and police reports.

During suppression hearings ahead of Troconis’ trial, video recordings of her interviews with investigators were shown in court. During those interviews, Troconis told investigators that she was on her phone while riding in the passenger seat during the trip to Hartford and did not know what Dulos was doing.

When investigators searched the Farmington mansion Troconis shared with Dulos in early June 2019, they also reportedly found the so-called “alibi scripts” — different versions of written-out timelines of the day she disappeared — some written by Dulos, some by Troconis.

Dulos was charged with murder in connection to his wife’s death but died on Jan. 30, 2020, after attempting to commit suicide at his Farmington home.

Luft said the family is grateful to the dedicated work of state and local law enforcement and prosecutors who have worked to seek justice for Farber Dulos.

“We remain deeply grateful to the state’s attorney’s office, the Connecticut State Police and the New Canaan Police for their tireless dedication to this case and the related, ongoing criminal investigation,” she said.