Six days have passed since a 50-year-old mother of five was reported missing and a vigil will be held at a New Canaan church on Thursday night as police search to find Jennifer Dulos.
She was last seen while she was dropping her children off at school Friday and missed several appointments that day.
New Canaan police said Dulos was reported missing around 7:30 p.m. on Friday and she had been driving a black 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, which was later found on Lapham Road, near Waveny Park in New Canaan.
New Canaan police said in a news release issued Wednesday that investigators are treating this as a missing persons case, but there is also an open criminal investigation looking into whether Dulos was the victim of foul play.
On Wednesday, Dulos’ family and friends released a statement.
“Those who know Jennifer know her to be a devoted mother; an extremely thoughtful, reliable, and organized woman; and attest that she would never, ever, disappear when she is responsible for the lives of five loving and energetic children. Jennifer is gentle, kind, intelligent, and funny, and above all she prioritizes the health and happiness of her children. She and the children have been embraced by the New Canaan Country School community, where they have made good friends and are active in athletics and arts,” a statement from her family and friends says.
Carrie Luft, a family friend who has known Jennifer for 28 years, said the children are safe and doing well, given the circumstances, but miss their mother.
"We’re heartbroken and very concerned but we are just hoping fervently for her safe return and we are so grateful to the community, to the public for all the love and support and for helping us find Jennifer," Luft said.
According to public court records, Dulos and her husband have been going through a divorce and a court filing says the children are with Jennifer’s mother and they have hired an armed bodyguard.
Before living in New Canaan, Dulos lived in Farmington, according to family and friends. She also has friends and colleagues in Avon and West Hartford.
“We express our sincere thanks to the law enforcement officers in both New Canaan and the Connecticut State Police. We are also deeply grateful to the New Canaan Country School for their incredible outpouring of support and care during this extremely difficult time,“ the statement from family and friends says.
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The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, New York State Police, Norwalk Police and federal law enforcement are all assisting with the investigation.
Anyone who was in contact with Dulos or has information on her disappearance is asked to contact the New Canaan Police Tip Line at 203-594-3544.
The vigil will be held at St. Aloysius Parsh in New Canaan from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
