‘Gone Girl’ author furious over theory that Jennifer Dulos staged disappearance: 'It sickens me that the lawyer is using my book as defence'
'Gone Girl' author Gillian Flynn has slammed Fotis Dulos' lawyers for using her book as a defence in the case of missing Connecticut mom Jennifer Dulos. They have claimed that Jennifer's disappearance closely mirrors the plot of Gillian's hit novel later turned into a movie.
Jennifer was reported missing on May 24 by friends after they didn't hear from her for more than 10 hours.
In a statement to WTNH News regarding the claims made by Fotis' lawyers, Gillian said, "I have been following the story of Jennifer Dulos’s disappearance. This situation is so incredibly painful, I can’t imagine what her children, her family, and all those close to her are going through. I am deeply sorry for Jennifer and her loved ones."
She also added, "I’ve seen in recent coverage that Jennifer’s husband and his defense attorney have put forward a so-called “Gone Girl theory” to explain Jennifer’s disappearance. It absolutely sickens me that a work of fiction written by me would be used by Fotis Dulos’s lawyer as a defense, and as a hypothetical, sensationalized motive behind Jennifer’s very real and very tragic disappearance."
Norm Pattis, the lawyer, had voiced these allegations in an interview with ABC 20/20 according to The Post and said, "We’re actively investigating the possibility that this is a Gone Girl type case, and are considering the possibility that no third party was involved in foul play."
Anne Dranginis, attorney for Jennifer's mother Gloria Farber, however, said, "It’s a classic act of desperation to slander the victim."
The 50-year-old mom of five, Jennifer was reportedly a 'nervous wreck' after she filed for her divorce in 2017 from husband of 13 years Fotis. A close friend of Jennifer was quoted as saying to The Post, "She said he was verbally abusive and maniacal and implied that he was physically abusive, too."
E-mails written by Jennifer to this friend who spoke to The Post were also shared in which Jennifer writes about seeking custody of her children and says, "I know that filing for divorce, and filing this motion will enrage [Fotis]. I know he will retaliate by trying to harm me in some way . . . During the course of our marriage, he told me about sickening revenge fantasies and plans to cause physical harm to others who have wronged him.”
This coupled with pieces of evidence such as Fotis' DNA mixed with Jennifer's blood that was found in the garage of her apartment had led to the arrest of Fotis and his girlfriend 44-year-old Michelle Troconis for allegedly tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and for hindering prosecution.
Suspicions were also raised after evidence of Fotis and Michelle stopping at 30 trash stops were discovered and they reportedly disposed of bags filled with blood-soaked sponges and Jennifer's bloodied garments.
The two were arrested on June 1, but both Fotis and Michelle pleaded not guilty and are now out on bail.