Conservator In, Companion Out, in Torrington Probate Case of Eli Schutts; the Drama Promises to Go On

TORRINGTON – At a probate hearing Monday in the nursing home that houses Dr. Eli Schutts, 86, Judge Michael Magistrali appointed Lorraine Seely conservator for the retired Western Connecticut State University philosophy professor.

With this ruling Ms. Seely once again has control of Dr. Schutts’ estate and care. The Litchfield Hills Probate Court had previously appointed her and his daughter, Prisca Cox of London, temporary co-conservators but that status expired Aug. 12.

For two weeks, the now wheelchair-bound Dr. Schutts, who has been a resident of Litchfield Woods since early summer, has been without court oversight. Though Ms. Cox was present via Skype, Judge Magistrali only named Ms. Seely as conservator.

“I give her absolute power,” said Dr. Schutts, after Judge Magistrali explained Ms. Seely will be in charge of his affairs though he will still possess power to revoke. “She must have full knowledge of my financial condition. I have a rock-bottom belief in this person – otherwise I’d be pointing a gun at my head."

“I’m not in dementia, I know I’m not,” Dr. Schutts said, further explaining that he understands this arrangement. “I have Parkinson’s.”

The ruling came at the protest of Edith Johnson, Dr. Schutts’ companion since the 1980s, and Deborah Logue, the lay minister of Bethlehem’s Christ Episcopal Church. Both were present, and they claim that Dr. Schutts, who in court said he will not cede control to Ms. Johnson, has been manipulated, and in Torrington his best interests are not the first concern.


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Conservator In, Companion Out, in Torrington Probate Case of Eli Schutts; the Drama Promises to Go On

See Also:
Stage is Set for Monday Probate Hearing to Determine Next Step in Contested Case of Retired WestConn Professor Eli Schutts