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
Jury resumes deliberations
The jury has resumed deliberations in the Michelle Troconis trial.
Defence claims supporters of prosecution team were blowing kisses at officers in court
Before the jury was brought out on Thursday for the third day of deliberations, defence attorney Jon Schoenhorn told the judge that he was made aware that some of the supporters of the prosecution team were blowing kisses and doing heart signs when some of the police officers walked in to the courtroom.
“I thought the court made it clear that would not be permitted,” he said. “I believe it’s harassment for that to be permitted.”
The judge said the court would “leave it up to the marshals to be vigilant in determining whether any conduct is inappropriate.”
Jury has been deliberating for seven hours
The jury – made up of three men and three women – have now been deliberating for a total of seven hours since they began following closing arguments on Tuesday.
A verdict has not yet been reached.
How many years in prison could Michelle Troconis face?
If Michelle Troconis is found guilty of all charges, she could face up to 50 years in prison in the death and disappearance of Jennifer Dulos.
Ms Troconis, 49, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence, two counts of tampering with physical evidence and one count of second-degree hindering prosecution.
The jury could find her guilty on all counts, not guilty on all counts, or a combination. If the jury is deadlocked and cannot come to a unanimous decision, it would result in a mistrial.
Ms Troconis could face between 1 and 20 years if the sentences ran concurrently, or up to 50 years if consecutive. A judge would make that decision during sentencing.
Jury has sent a note and court is back in session
Court is back in session after the jury sent a note around 11:58pm.
They have two questions which the judge is now reading in open court.
Jury asks for clarification on term ‘accessory'
The jury sent a note to the court with two questions.
1 - Can we please receive clarification as to the verbiage of count 3, specifically in order to constitute tampering does the defendant need to have physically altered, destroyed or concealed an item or thing, ie: “physical contact.”
2 - The jury had a question about the term “accessory” in the jury instructions
Judge brings in jury to answer questions
The jury asked “does an accessory to tampering with evidence had to have made physical contact with the evidence.”
The judge told the jury “No. It is an accessorial liability and does not require physical contact”.
Court is in recess while jury deliberates
Jurors returned to the jury room to continue deliberations.
Court is in recess untiil further notice.
Court breaks for lunch until 2pm
Court has been adjourned for lunch.
Deliberations continue after lunch break
The jury has returned to deliberate following a lunch break.
They have been deliberating for eight hours and 20 minutes across three days.
Court is likely to be dismissed at 4.45pm as usual so the jury will deliberate until then, unless they reach a verdict sooner.