Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
Missing Connecticut Mom's Blood Found Mixed With Estranged Husband's DNA, Prosecutor Says
Despite the new evidence revealed by prosecutors, Fotis Dulos was released from jail after posting bond Tuesday afternoon, as the search continues for his estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos.
The blood of a missing Connecticut mother of five was found in her home mixed with her estranged husband’s DNA, according to prosecutors.
State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr. revealed the new detail in court Tuesday as Jennifer Dulos’ estranged husband Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis appeared in court on charges they tampered with evidence and hindered prosecution in the case.
Both entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Later in the day, Fotis Dulos was released from jail after posting a $500,000 bond, according to the Associated Press.
He has been ordered not to have any contact with his children and will be required to wear a location-monitoring device while out on bond, while investigators continue to search for Jennifer Dulos, who was last seen May 24 dropping her children off at school.
The pair had spent the last two years going through a contentious divorce and child custody battle when the Connecticut mother disappeared, the Associated Press reports.
The couple’s children, who range in age from 8 to 13, are now staying in New York City with her mother, Gloria Farber.
Prosecutors revealed Tuesday that Jennifer Dulos’ blood was found on the kitchen sink faucet of her home in New Canaan, mixed with her estranged husband’s DNA, despite the fact that he had never lived with her in the home.
Investigators believe that the night Jennifer Dulos disappeared, her estranged husband was captured on video throwing garbage bags into more than 30 trash bins in a four-mile span, arrest warrants state according to the Stamford Advocate. His girlfriend was seen in the passenger seat of the car, according to police.
Investigators recovered a series of trash bags that they say contained Jennifer Dulos’ blood and also found sponges and clothing and other items with her blood. Police also continue to search for additional evidence that may have been hauled to the dump.
Fotis’ attorney Norm Pattis has continued to insist his client was not involved in the disappearance and issued a statement shortly after Fotis Dulos was released on bond Tuesday.
“Obviously we are happy to see him head home. We are also looking forward to the forthcoming trial,” the statement said, according to local station WTIC-TV. “Mr. Dulos had no motive to kill Jennifer. A recent court-ordered recommendation was that Mr. [Dulos] share custody 50/50 with Ms. [Dulos].”
He also addressed the prosecutor’s assertion that Fotis Dulos’ DNA was found in his estranged wife’s home outside the courtroom Tuesday.
“He was in the house. Do you know where your DNA is?” he questioned a reporter.
Pattis said Fotis Dulos has an alibi in the case and believes his client will be exonerated of the charges against him.
As the search for the missing mother continues, friends and family of Jennifer Dulos have also spoken out, issuing a statement saying that the community must not lose focus on the enormous human cost in the tragedy, including the impact to the couple’s five children.
“Jennifer’s family, friends, and above all her children are living in limbo—missing her embrace, her lilting laugh, her bedtime backrubs, her gentle strength,” it said, according to the local paper. “Please know that the children are safe and loved and supported in every respect. But more than anything in the world, they long to know where their mother is.”
