Attorneys for Fotis Dulos, the Connecticut man accused of killing his estranged spouse Jennifer, is not going to be allowed to debate his notorious homicide case for 4 many years below a brand new authorized settlement.
The legal professionals should additionally return $137,000 of the $250,000 retainer Dulos paid them earlier than his 2020 suicide, a probate court docket choose stated Tuesday.
The permitted settlements ended lawsuits filed in opposition to protection legal professionals Norman Pattis and Kevin Smith by Jennifer’s household and Fotis’ property, in keeping with Hearst Connecticut Media.
An property lawyer who as soon as recommended Jennifer staged her personal disappearance negotiated the weird 40-year gag order and monetary settlement, arguing the household needs to keep away from future publicity.
“The heirs of the property have been very involved about confidentiality,” lawyer Christopher Hug informed Probate Choose Evelyn Daly in Farmington on Tuesday.
Jennifer Dulos disappeared within the spring of 2019 after dropping off the couple’s 5 kids in school.
Authorities accused Fotis of attacking his spouse in her New Canaan storage after she got here residence from the varsity — then driving off together with her physique, which has by no means been discovered.
He denied being concerned with the 50-year-old’s disappearance however was charged with homicide in January of final 12 months.
Weeks later, the 52-year-old was discovered unconscious in his carbon monoxide stuffed storage. He died weeks after the suicide try.
“I refuse to spend even an hour extra in jail for one thing I had NOTHING to do with,” his suicide observe learn.
The rich couple was within the midst of a contentious divorce, and the high-profile case made worldwide information and led to documentaries and a film.
Fotis Dulos’ former girlfriend Michelle Troconis, and pal, lawyer Kent Mawhinney, are each dealing with homicide conspiracy costs. They each deny having helped Dulos cowl up the alleged killing.
With AP wires
