Probate Judge Declares Jennifer Dulos Dead: Report

NEW CANAAN, CT — Jennifer Farber Dulos, the 50-year-old New Canaan mother of five who vanished on May 24, 2019, has been declared dead by Probate Judge William P. Osterndorf of the Darien-New Canaan District, The Hour reported.

Osterndorf made his ruling in October, but news of the decision is just coming to light, only two days before Michelle Troconis is scheduled to stand trial in connection with Jennifer Dulos' disappearance and now death.

Jennifer Dulos' body has not been found, nor has her family had any contact from her since the day of her disappearance, factors which Osterndorf reportedly wrote in his brief led to "the inescapable conclusion" that she is deceased.

Fotis Dulos, Jennifer's late, estranged husband, was charged with kidnapping and murdering her, but he died by suicide in January 2020, before he could stand trial. The two were in the midst of a contentious divorce and custody fight at the time of Jennifer's disappearance.

Gloria Farber, Jennifer's mother, reportedly petitioned the probate court this past August to declare her dead, which would allow for the closure of Jennifer's estate. Jennifer's will left her assets to her children.

Carrie Luft, spokesperson for the Farber family and Jennifer's friends, said Tuesday that she will release a statement on Wednesday before the start of Troconis' trial on Thursday.

Troconis, one of two remaining suspects in the case, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, accused of assisting Fotis in the murder plot. She was Fotis' girlfriend at the time of the disappearance, and has pleaded not guilty.

The other suspect, former attorney and friend of Fotis', Kent Mawhinney, was arrested on the same charges, and is expected to testify against Troconis. He has also pleaded not guilty, but a trial date has not yet been set for him.

Read The Hour story.

The Dulos case:

• New Details On How Jennifer Dulos May Have Died: Warrant
• Jennifer Dulos' Killer Still At Large, Says Fotis Dulos' Family
• Finding Jennifer Dulos Remains '#1 Focus' For Chief Prosecutor
• The Haggling Over Fotis Dulos Estate Has Begun: Report
• Jennifer Dulos Case: New Updates As Mystery Remains Unsolved
• New DNA Evidence Disclosed In Jennifer Dulos Disappearance
• New Documentary Explores Jennifer Dulos Murder Mystery
• Troconis Wants Evidence Thrown Out In Dulos Disappearance Case
• Mystery Continues 3 Years After Jennifer Farber Dulos' Disappearance
• House Arrest Lifted For Suspect In Jennifer Dulos Disappearance Case