Nearly five years after the mysterious disappearance of Connecticut mother Jennifer Dulos, a major development in the case has occurred. Michelle Troconis, the ex-girlfriend of Jennifer’s husband Fotis Dulos, has been found guilty of conspiring to murder the mother of five. The verdict was reached after six jurors heard two hours of closing arguments from both the state prosecutor and defense attorney at a Stamford Superior Courtroom.
Troconis, who had previously dated Fotis Dulos, was also found guilty of hindering prosecution, conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence, and tampering with physical evidence. This verdict comes as a significant milestone in the long and complex investigation into Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance.
Jennifer Dulos vanished in May 2019 after dropping her children off at school. Friends became alarmed when she failed to show up for appointments and had no communication with them for 10 hours. At the time of her disappearance, Jennifer was in the midst of a contentious divorce and custody battle with Fotis Dulos.
Although Jennifer’s body has never been found, a Connecticut judge officially declared her dead in October 2023, based on evidence and testimony from the state’s chief medical examiner, who suggested she likely suffered “traumatic, blunt-force injuries.” The discovery of a bloodlike stain in three places on her vehicle, as well as her DNA on the stains and on the garage wall and door, further contributed to this conclusion.
Both Fotis Dulos and Troconis were previously arrested on suspicion of evidence tampering in connection with Jennifer’s disappearance. Investigators found a “bloodlike substance” with Jennifer Dulos’ DNA in a truck that Fotis Dulos had access to on the day she went missing. In court documents obtained by CNN, Jennifer had expressed her fear of Fotis, stating that she believed he would retaliate against her for filing for divorce and seeking custody of their children.
The verdict in Troconis’ trial has left her devastated, according to her attorney, Jon Schoenhorn. Her family also expressed their disappointment, calling the verdict “a tremendous injustice” and maintaining her innocence. They vowed to continue proving her innocence.
The surviving family members of Jennifer Dulos hope that this verdict will renew public interest in the case and potentially lead to new leads that could help locate Jennifer’s body. In a statement on behalf of family and friends of Dulos, Carrie Luft emphasized that while the guilty verdict is important, the most critical aspect is still finding Jennifer’s remains. They hope that the increased attention to the case will generate fresh leads and information.
Following the verdict, a Connecticut judge set Troconis’ bond at $6 million in cash as surety, with the condition of house arrest and electronic monitoring if she manages to meet the bond amount. Troconis’ sentencing is scheduled for May 31.
As this case continues to unfold, the focus remains on finding Jennifer Dulos and bringing closure to her family and loved ones. The verdict in Troconis’ trial marks a significant step forward, but the search for answers and justice for Jennifer will undoubtedly persist.
