Michelle Troconis found guilty on six counts in Jennifer Dulos murder case
Michelle Troconis, 49, pleaded not guilty and denies any involvement in Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance and death
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Michelle Troconis has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.
After 12 hours of deliberation over the past three days, the jury found Ms Troconis guilty on all six counts Friday.
Jurors were tasked with deciding whether the 49-year-old conspired with her former boyfriend Fotis Dulos to kill his estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos, in Connecticut on 24 May 2019, and cover up the crime.
During closing arguments, prosecutors described Jennifer’s murder as “deliberate and intentional” and said that Troconis and Dulos “worked to make this happen”.
Jennifer’s body has never been found, but she has been officially declared dead – with police finding that she died a violent death at the hands of Dulos.
In January 2020, Fotis died by suicide after being charged with her murder.
Troconis pleaded not guilty and insisted she did not know Fotis was doing anything nefarious as she watched him toss garbage bags into random bins, or as she helped him write up a timeline of their whereabouts on the day Jennifer disappeared.
Michelle Troconis’ trial is almost over. A jury will decide if she conspired to kill her lover’s ex-wife
Michelle Troconis may be held in contempt of court in Jennifer Dulos conspiracy to murder case
Michelle Troconis’ alleged comments about wanting ‘to kill’ and ‘bury’ Jennifer Dulos revealed at trial
State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek vows to “never stop looking” for Jennifer Dulos’ body
In a statement after the verdict, State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek extended his condolences to the Dulos family and thanked the jury.
“First and foremost, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Jennifer Farber Dulos, particularly her five children, who had their mother violently taken from them on May 24, 2019,” he said. “I commend the hard work of everyone involved in this case and express my gratitude to the jury for their thoughtfulness and attention during this trial.
He also promised that his office would not give up searching for Ms Dulos’ body.
“While it’s our hope that today’s verdict brings Jennifer’s family and friends some peace, we also hope that someday we can provide resolution to the still unanswered question of where Jennifer rests,” he added. “I assure you the State of Connecticut and this office will never stop looking.”
PHOTOS: Michelle Troconis cries over verdict
Upon hearing she’d been found guilty on Friday, Michelle Troconis broke down in tears and laid her head on the table.
Her defence attorney was seen comforting her, rubbing her back.
What happens next?
Michelle Troconis faces up to 50 years in prison. She is expected to be sentenced 31 May.
She could face between 1 and 20 years if the sentences ran concurrently, or up to 50 if consecutive. A judge will make that decision during sentencing.
Her defence attorney said he plans to file a motion for a new trial.
Former investigator in Jennifer Dulos case speaks out on verdict
Retired Detective with Connecticut State Police Sgt Kimball spoke out following Michelle Troconis’ guilty verdict.
The investigator in Jennifer’s disappearance testified at the trial and was present in the courtroom for closing statements this week.
“I want to personally thank all the efforts of the State’s Attorney, Judge Kevin Randolph, and, of course, the members of the jury,” he wrote. “This was a long and complicated trial. The correct verdict was rendered. Please continue to keep Jennifer in your hearts. #MichelleTroconis”
“Yesterday was the best possible outcome for the family and friends of Jennifer Farber Dulos. The State’s Attorney will be able to comment following Troconis’ sentencing on May 31. #JusticeForJennifer #MichelleTroconis”