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
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
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
Jury instructed on witness credibility
Judge Kevin Randolph instructed the jury on how they should weigh the “credibility” of witnesses who took the stand.
“You may believe all, or part, or none of a witness’s testimony,” he said.
The jury may consider how well a witness recalled details, any bias they may have in the case, their mannerisms, any contradictions that came up, and so on.
They must also decide whether any errors in testimony constitute an “innocent lapse of memory or a deliberate falsehood.”
“Keep in mind, people sometimes forget things,” the judge said.
Judge instructs on witnesses who testified in exchange for immunity
Witnesses who testified in exchange for legal immunity — as was the case for Pawel Gumienny — should be examined “with greater care and caution than testimony of an ordinary witness,” Judge Kevin Randolph told the jury.
These witnesses may have had an “incentive” to testify favorably for the state, he explained.
“Look at it with particular care,” the judge said.
Jury receives instructions on conspiracy charges
Judge Kevin Randolph instructed the jury on the charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
“The size of the defendant’s role does not determine whether she may be convicted of conspiracy,” he said. Rather, what matters is whether she “willfully” participated in the plan with knowledge of its ends.
Since conspiracies are typically planned “in secret,” circumstantial evidence is sufficient to convict, he said.
Judge instructs on “tampering with physical evidence” charges
The jury was instructed on the charges of tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence.
The defendant is guilty of the charges if they did “alter, destroy, conceal, or remove” physical evidence with the intent to “impair” the availability or verity of the item, the judge said.
Deliberations begin
Judge Kevin Randolph has concluded with jury instructions.
Jurors will now retire to their chambers to begin their deliberations.
“When you reach a verdict, it must be unanimous,” he said.
Defence attorney Jon Schoenhorn speaks
As deliberations begin, defence attorney Jon Schoenhorn spoke to members of the media outside of the courthouse.
“We believe the state has present insufficient evidence,” Mr Schoenhorn said, showing off his tie, which was printed with the words of the US constitution.
Court adjourned for the day
The court has now adjourned for the day.
Judge Kevin Randolph instructed the jury not to speak with the media as they exited the building.
Deliberations will continue tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Michelle Troconis defence claims three words prove innocence in Jennifer Dulos’ murder
The defence ended closing arguments for Michelle Troconis’s trial on Tuesday with video of officials expressing doubt that Troconis knew anything about her former boyfriend Fotis Dulos nefarious actions surrounding his estranged wife’s disappearance and presumed death.
After seven weeks, Ms Troconis’ trial is nearing an end. Jurors in Connecticut will soon decide whether the 49-year-old conspired with Fotis to kill his estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos, on 24 May 2019, and cover up the crime.
Both sides gave one last shot at arguing their case as they presented their closing arguments on Tuesday.
Read the full story from Andrea Cavallier in court:
Troconis defence claims three words prove innocence in Jennifer Dulos’ murder
Michelle Troconis is on trial for her alleged role in the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos
Jury asks for easel before court adjourns for the day
Jurors only deliberated about 30 minutes on Tuesday before court was adjouned for the day due to the courthouse closing at 5pm.
They were giving a laptop with the exhibiys and evidence as they make their decision.
Before being dismissed, they asked for an easel.
While many spectators in the courtroom were hoping for a quick verdict, others said the jury’s request forshadows a drawn out deliberation.
Court resumes at 10am Wednesday.
Where are Jennifer Dulos’ children now?
All five children are in the custody of Jennifer’s mother Gloria Farber.
At the time of their mother’s disapearance, the children ranged in age from 8 to 13.
They were seen for the first time in court when Jennifer’s mom took the stand to testify last week.
However, they were nowhere to be seen during closing arguments.