Where is Michelle Troconis now? 'Dateline NBC' throws light on Jennifer Dulos' ‘senseless killing’
CONNECTICUT, U.S: Michelle Troconis has been currently convicted on all counts related to the murder of Jennifer Dulos. After approximately 14 hours of deliberation, the six-member jury—comprising three men and three women—rendered a verdict, finding Troconis guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence, and hindering the prosecution.
After the verdict, the judge raised Troconis' bail from $2.1 million to $6 million. If she can pay this amount, she will be placed on house arrest. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 31.
Depending on whether the charges run concurrently or consecutively, Troconis could potentially face up to 20 years or a cumulative sentence of 50 years.
"I truly just don't see how the jury could have reached this verdict," said attorney Schoenhorn. "We're going to challenge whether or not the trial had errors that should be reconsidered, and if not reconsidered in this court then we'll go to the appellate or supreme court."
NBC's longest-running weekly American TV series, 'Dateline NBC' Season 32 special episode titled, "A life interrupted" is scheduled to premiere on Friday, March 1, at 9 PM ET on NBC.
In this episode, the focus will be on the verdict in the Jennifer Dulos murder case. Michelle Troconis, who was the girlfriend of Jennifer's husband, Fotis, has recently been found guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence, and hindering prosecution.
The episode will delve into the details of the trial and its outcome.
Who is Michelle Triconis?
Michelle Troconis is a woman whose life became intricately entwined with the high-profile and tragic case of Jennifer Dulos. Troconis was implicated in the killing of Jennifer Dulos as an alleged accomplice to her husband, Fotis Dulos.
The state argued that Fotis and Michelle conspired to murder Jennifer, tampered with evidence, and hindered prosecution.
Initially claiming that she was at home with Fotis on the day of Jennifer's disappearance, Michelle eventually admitted that this statement was untrue.
The evidence indicated that she was aware of the crime, took part in its cover-up, and misled investigators. Troconis' inconsistent statements, active role in discarding evidence, and awareness of Fotis' actions became the foundation for her legal troubles and eventual conviction in connection to Jennifer Dulos' murder.
Along with Michelle, jurors requested to review testimony from Troconis' friend, Clara "Petu" Duperron, who claimed to possess evidence proving Troconis' innocence and asserted that Troconis didn't trust the police.
Defense lawyer Jon Schoenhorn staunchly maintained his client's innocence, squarely attributing blame for the murder to Fotis Dulos and any potential accomplices that day.
Schoenhorn emphasized that Troconis did not know of Fotis' plans to harm Jennifer, asserting that she was unaware of Fotis' capability for such actions. Fotis took his secrets to the grave, dying by self-inflicted carbon monoxide poisoning in his garage.
Schoenhorn highlighted Fotis' persistent facade until the end, noting that he never acknowledged his actions or admitted his role even to his children.
Why did Michelle Troconis help with killing Jennifer Dulos?
The motive behind Michelle Troconis's involvement in the killing of Jennifer Dulos was allegedly driven by her romantic relationship with Fotis Dulos, Jennifer's estranged husband.
The prosecution argued that Troconis conspired with Fotis Dulos to murder Jennifer, motivated by animosity towards Jennifer due to the contentious divorce and custody battle between her and Fotis.
According to the prosecution, Troconis provided a false alibi by initially claiming she was with Fotis Dulos on the day of Jennifer's disappearance. However, her changing statements and actions captured in surveillance videos became crucial evidence.
Troconis was accused of actively participating in evidence disposal, including the disposal of bags containing items stained with Jennifer's blood.
Prosecutors contended that these actions demonstrated her knowledge of the crime and her complicity in covering it up. While the exact details of Jennifer Dulos's killing were not explicitly provided, the prosecution's case centered on the assertion that Troconis played a role in the conspiracy to commit murder and hindered the investigation by assisting in the disposal of crucial evidence.
The case portrayed Troconis as a co-conspirator with Fotis Dulos in the alleged plot to harm Jennifer, which ultimately led to her death. However, Michelle consistently denied any involvement in the murder throughout her interrogation.
"I have no idea what happened to Jennifer. I have no idea where Jennifer is," she was recorded saying. "My sister is innocent," added Triconis' sister Daniela saying she had 'absolutely' no hand in the killing.
How did police find Michelle Troconis guilty of Jennifer Dulos' 2019 murder?
Michelle Troconis was convicted in the murder case of Jennifer Dulos based on a combination of circumstantial and direct evidence presented during the trial. Initially providing alibis that she was with Fotis Dulos on the day of Jennifer's disappearance, Troconis's changing statements raised suspicion and became a focal point for the prosecution.
Surveillance videos played a crucial role, with one allegedly showing Fotis Dulos disposing of bags containing items stained with Jennifer's blood, and another capturing Troconis wiping her hand on the ground. Prosecutors argued that these actions indicated her awareness of the crime and her involvement in evidence disposal.
With that, Troconis faced conspiracy charges, as prosecutors alleged she conspired with Fotis Dulos to murder his estranged wife. The case heavily relied on circumstantial evidence, as Jennifer's body was never found.
Additionally, she was charged with hindering prosecution for obstructing the investigation by providing false information and participating in evidence disposal.
After the guilty verdict, Troconis's defense announced plans to appeal, citing insufficient direct evidence connecting her to the murder and emphasizing the absence of Jennifer Dulos's body as a key factor.
How did Fotis Dulos kill Jennifer Dulos?
The state contended that Fotis Dulos, a construction business owner, borrowed an employee's car to approach his wife's home in New Canaan, leaving his phone behind to avoid tracking.
He then rode a bike the rest of the way to ambush Jennifer Dulos. Evidence suggested at least two impacts, indicating an "anger-driven assault" rather than an accidental fall, according to the prosecutor.
To establish an alibi, Fotis Dulos had left his phone behind for Michelle Troconis to manipulate. Surveillance imagery revealed smoke from Fotis Dulos' home on the day of the incident, suggesting the burning of potential evidence.
Prosecutors contended that Troconis played a complicit role in formulating and modifying their alibi script. Throughout her interactions with the police, Troconis consistently provided deceptive information or omitted incriminating details, resulting in an evolving narrative.
When was Michelle Troconis convicted?
On October 21, 2022, Michelle Troconis was convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence, and hindering prosecution in connection to the murder of Connecticut mom Jennifer Dulos.
The verdict was delivered following a rigorous trial, during which prosecutors presented compelling evidence against her. The charges were rooted in accusations that Troconis conspired with Jennifer's estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, in the murder and subsequent attempted cover-up.
The courtroom proceedings were filled with tension as the verdict was read. Troconis reportedly showed little emotion as the judge announced the guilty verdict. Her attorney immediately announced plans to appeal the conviction, maintaining Troconis's innocence.
The defense argued that there was not enough direct evidence linking Troconis to the crime, emphasizing the absence of Jennifer Dulos's body and the reliance on circumstantial evidence.
The prosecution presented an extensive case, including video and photo evidence from residential security systems and urban police cameras that detailed the timeline of the crime.
Troconis's changing statements and her alleged involvement in disposing of evidence were crucial elements in the prosecution's argument.
Following the conviction, Troconis faced the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, she is set to appear in court for sentencing on May 31, 2024. She faces a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.