STAMFORD, Conn. — Michelle Troconis, once linked to Jennifer Dulos' estranged husband, Fotis, faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence, conspiracy to tamper with evidence, and hindering the prosecution in connection to Jennifer's disappearance.
This came after Fotis died by suicide in January 2020 and his death left Troconis and Kent Mawhinney, Fotis' friend and personal lawyer, the only two people remaining to face charges related to the disappearance.
Attorney Jim Bergenn with Shipman and Goodwin LLP provided context on what will be expected on the first day of trial on Thursday.
"I don’t think the declaration that she’s deceased will make a difference. The fact is they still don’t have a body, they still don’t have any specific proof as to how much whether her life was ended," said Jim Bergenn, partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP.
Since being charged in 2020, Troconis and her defense attorney, Jon Schoenhorn have appeared in court numerous times. He has argued to have her ankle GPS removed, a dismissal of all charges and more recently, stated the search of Fotis' home in 2019 was too broad and had no probable cause.
Attorney Bergenn said there would be a lot of personalities during this trial with an experienced judge and defense attorney.
"We’ve got the constitution and the constitution says you can’t just put in all kinds of things about what you think or imagine. It’s got to be actual evidence and the actual evidence as to whether she knowingly participated in a murder or a cover-up depends on your point of view," added Bergenn.
Attorney Schoenhorn also claimed evidence regarding cell tower data from the day Jennifer went missing should be suppressed and considered inadmissible and "overly broad."
The first day of trial, Attorney Bergenn said, may be less than a smooth ride.
"Here’s going to be day-to-day complications and the judge is going to be disallowing certain evidence, so suddenly things may skip forward," added Bergenn.
He added if Troconis is convicted and found guilty at the end, it can be followed by an appeal which may lead to another trial.
A statement was released by Carrie Luft on behalf of the Dulos family and friends:
"It has been more than four years and seven months since Jennifer Farber Dulos was murdered and disappeared. We, her family and friends, have waited patiently, understanding that the justice process moves slowly and deliberatively, especially given the disruption of a global pandemic. We remain deeply grateful to the state’s attorney’s office, the Connecticut State Police, and the New Canaan Police for their tireless dedication to this case and the related, ongoing criminal investigation.
As this trial begins, it is crucial to remember who is at the center: Jennifer, whose five children have lost their mother and, as an eventuality, both parents. Jennifer’s family and loved ones have lost a loving daughter, sister, cousin, and lifelong friend. We do not seek closure, as nothing can bring Jennifer back. Our hope is that this trial provides for accountability and answers.
As this trial gets underway, we ask that you prioritize and respect the privacy of Jennifer’s family and loved ones. Thank you."
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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