Search For Missing Connecticut Mother Now A Homicide Investigation, Sources Tell WFSB
NEW CANAAN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) – The search for a missing Connecticut mother has turned into a homicide investigation, sources tell CBS2's affiliate WFSB.
Sources also say investigators discovered blood during the search for 50-year-old Jennifer Farber Dulos, of New Canaan. No other details were provided.
The mother-of-five disappeared after dropping her children off at school last Friday. Her black Chevrolet Suburban was found abandoned near Waveny Park.
WEB EXTRA: Timeline Of Investigation Into Jennifer Dulos's Disappearance
A prayer vigil was held last night at Saint Aloysius Catholic Church.
"New Canaan is a very close knit community, and when something like this happens, when one of our own goes missing, it affects the entire community," said Father Robert Kinnally.
Dulos was reportedly in the middle of a divorce and custody battle with her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos.
MORE: Investigation Into Missing Connecticut Woman Shifts To Affluent Westchester County Town
According to court documents, she said "I am afraid of my husband... I know that filing for divorce will enrage him. I know he will retaliate by trying to harm me in some way."
She also accused him of infidelity, cruelty and threatening to kidnap their children and bring them to Greece.
Fotis Dulos has denied the allegations. He filed a letter Tuesday claiming the kids were under armed guard at the Fifth Avenue apartment of their maternal grandmother and he wanted them back.
On Friday, a family spokesperson released a statement calling for support and help in locating Farber Dulos:
As of today, it has been a week since Jennifer Farber Dulos was reported missing. We miss her beyond measure – her five young children, her family, her friends, colleagues, and neighbors, as well as countless people who have never met her but who have responded to the spirit of grace and kindness that Jennifer embodies.
The public response has been astounding. The support and love, the concern for her children, and the community efforts to help locate Jennifer have kept us going. Please be assured that Jennifer's five children are safe and well-cared for.
Last night, on Thursday evening, a candlelight vigil was held in New Canaan at St. Aloysius Church, with hundreds of people in attendance, holding up light as a symbol of hope, calling for Jennifer's safe return. The family and friends are deeply moved by the beauty and ritual of this event, and although we could not attend in person, we are with you in spirit.
We are immensely grateful to the investigators for their work around the clock, 24/7, to locate Jennifer. Everyone who has shared Jennifer's story, helped search for her, or provided tips to the police: thank you. If you have any information that might be relevant to this case, if you have seen Jennifer Farber Dulos or have information about her disappearance, please contact the New Canaan Police Tip Line at 203-594-3544.
Jennifer, we love you and we miss you, and we remain hopeful that you will return to us safe and sound.
Last, we request that you please respect the privacy of Jennifer's family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Please do not contact them. Thank you.
