STAMFORD, CT – Michelle Troconis, the defendant in the trial for the disappearance and death of Jennifer Dulos, listened to police interviews played in court during the second week of the trial. Troconis is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence, and related charges in relation to the case. Prosecutors used the interviews to portray Jennifer Dulos as having met a violent end and attempted to implicate Troconis in the disposal of evidence.
During the interrogation interviews, law enforcement reportedly expressed concerns for Troconis’ safety following Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance. The investigators confronted Troconis, suggesting that her then-boyfriend and Jennifer Dulos’ estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, had a history of deception and could potentially harm her as well. Fotis Dulos was arrested on kidnapping and murder charges but took his own life before standing trial.
According to the prosecution, Fotis Dulos attacked Jennifer in the garage of her New Canaan home in May 2019, leaving behind blood stains that he allegedly tried to clean up. The next day, Fotis, accompanied by Troconis, was captured on surveillance video discarding garbage bags. Some of these bags were later found by the police, containing items soaked in blood, such as rags and clothing.
The trial also included the presentation of this damning evidence to the jury. Representatives of Jennifer’s family and friends described this as a “brutal but also crucial” phase of the trial. Outside the courtroom, Claudia Troconis, Michelle’s sister, staunchly defended her, insisting that she is innocent and unaware of the contents of the bags Fotis Dulos discarded.
In the weeks to come, Pawel Gumienny, a former employee of Fotis Dulos’ luxury home building business, may testify in court. Prosecutors believe that Fotis borrowed Gumienny’s pickup truck at the time of Jennifer’s disappearance and speculate that it may have been used to transport her body.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, also involves another suspect, former attorney Kent Mawhinney. Both Mawhinney and Troconis are accused of assisting Fotis in the murder plot and attempted cover-up. Prosecutors plan to have Mawhinney testify against Troconis.
Despite extensive searches, Jennifer Dulos’ body has never been found. Last year, a probate judge officially declared her dead. As the trial progresses, it is hoped that justice will be served and answers will be found in the mysterious disappearance and tragic death of Jennifer Dulos.