Michelle Troconis, the girlfriend of a prominent home builder accused in the 2019 disappearance and death of his estranged wife, was found guilty by a Connecticut jury on Friday.
The 49-year-old Troconis was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, as well as charges of tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in the case involving Jennifer Dulos, a 50-year-old mother of five who remains missing and is presumed dead after a judge issued a declaration of death in October.
The jury deliberated for two full days before delivering the verdict. Troconis, upon hearing the outcome, laid her head down on the defense table. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 31, and she has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings.
Michelle Troconis (Credits: NBC Connecticut)
The case also involved Fotis Dulos, Troconis’ boyfriend, who had faced charges of felony murder, kidnapping, and other crimes in connection with Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance.
However, Fotis Dulos died on January 30, 2020, while on house arrest after attempting suicide at his Farmington home in Connecticut.
He left a note denying any involvement in his wife’s disappearance, which was later released by his attorney. Fotis Dulos was 52 years old and had posted a $6 million bond at the time of his death.
His close friend, Kent Mawhinney, was also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and pleaded not guilty; his trial is pending.
Jennifer Dulos was last seen on May 24, 2019. Arrest warrants indicated that her blood was found in her home, and surveillance video from that day showed Fotis Dulos disposing of garbage bags in West Hartford containing zip ties, gloves, tape, and other items.
The bags also had bloodlike stains matching Jennifer Dulos’ DNA on a paper towel and a poncho. Troconis’ DNA was found on some of the items, and she was seen with Fotis Dulos during the disposal of the bags, as per video evidence.
During the trial, Troconis admitted to being with Fotis Dulos in West Hartford but denied knowledge of his activities or the contents of the bags.
The former couple shared five children and were in the midst of a contentious custody dispute at the time of Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance.
Authorities alleged that Fotis Dulos, facing significant financial debts, might have sought access to their children’s trust fund by obtaining custody.
Fotis Dulos, in a letter, claimed that authorities had “fabricated” many allegations against him, expressing his love for his children and a willingness to do “anything to be with them,” acknowledging limits to what he could endure.
The case has captured significant attention due to its complex dynamics involving a prominent individual, financial troubles, and the mysterious disappearance of a mother of five.
