As the trial of Michelle Troconis, a suspect in the 2019 disappearance and death of Jennifer Dulos, continues, former NYPD officer and FOX News contributor Paul Mauro believes it will be difficult for Troconis to present a convincing counter-narrative. Troconis, the girlfriend of Fotis Dulos, Jennifer’s estranged husband, is accused of conspiring to murder Jennifer. Fotis, who was charged with Jennifer’s murder, died by suicide in 2020, maintaining his innocence in a note. Here are some crucial moments that have unfolded during the trial.
Retired Connecticut State Police (CSP) Sgt. Matthew Reilly testified about “alibi scripts” that were discovered after Jennifer’s disappearance. These scripts, presented in court, outlined the activities of Troconis and Fotis on the day Jennifer vanished. Troconis claimed that they were written at the advice of Fotis’ divorce attorney.
The scripts revealed two different timelines, detailing how Troconis and Fotis showered together before 7 a.m., engaged in separate morning activities, and had lunch together around noon. Another script included emails addressed to “Michelle” and “Jennifer.” A third script documented multiple phone calls and their timings.
Prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing Fotis and Troconis driving together in Fotis’ truck around Hartford, disposing of evidence in trash bins after Jennifer’s disappearance. This footage supports the prosecution’s theory that Fotis violently attacked Jennifer in her garage and then drove away with her body.
During the trial, physical evidence recovered from the trash bins was presented, including a blood-soaked shirt and bra, zip ties, gloves, plastic ponchos, and a box cutter, all of which had a “blood-like” substance on them. Although Jennifer’s remains have not been found, a judge declared her dead just before the start of Troconis’ trial.
Testimony from Jennifer’s nanny, Lauren Almeida, revealed that she was aware of Jennifer and Fotis’ divorce proceedings and Fotis’ affair with Troconis in 2017. Almeida expressed fear because Fotis had purchased a gun.
Police body camera footage, shown in court, depicted what appeared to be blood in Jennifer’s garage on the day she disappeared. Officers also discovered a bloody shoe print in the garage. This evidence further strengthens the prosecution’s case.
Two alternate jurors were dismissed during the trial. One expressed a favorable opinion of the state’s case, while the other compared the case to the novel “Gone Girl” on social media, violating the court’s instructions.
The trial of Michelle Troconis is now entering its third week. As new details emerge, the case continues to captivate public attention.
