Michelle Troconis Faces Contempt of Court Charge in Connection with Jennifer Dulos’ Disappearance
Michelle Troconis will be in court in Stamford on Wednesday for a pre-trial hearing on a contempt of court charge that was filed during her trial in connection with the disappearance and presumed murder of Jennifer Dulos.
Background on the Case
Jennifer Dulos, a mother of five who was living in New Canaan, disappeared on May 24, 2019, amid a bitter divorce and custody battle with her estranged husband at the time, Fotis Dulos. She is presumed dead and her body has never been found.
Michelle Troconis was dating Fotis Dulos when Jennifer disappeared.
Charges and Conviction
In June 2019, Fotis Dulos and Michelle Troconis were charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and hindering prosecution in the first degree.
On Jan. 7, 2020, state police charged Fotis Dulos with felony murder, murder, and kidnapping, and they charged Troconis with conspiracy to commit murder. Both denied the charges.
Three weeks later, Fotis died after attempting to take his own life, according to police.
Troconis’ trial started in January of this year and a jury found her guilty on March 1.
She is now serving a 14-and-a-half-year sentence after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with physical evidence, hindering prosecution, and additional charges.
Contempt of Court Charge
She was held in contempt of court during her trial in February after she allegedly showed a sealed custody report related to the contentious Dulos divorce on her laptop.
Troconis’ lawyer said he is seeking clarification of the charges and expects the state to file a response.
Troconis has pleaded not guilty to this contempt charge.
Habeas Corpus Petition
Troconis has also filed a petition for habeas corpus, claiming her first attorney, Andrew Bowman, made numerous failures in counsel, including failing to explain the advantages and disadvantages in speaking with police about Jennifer’s disappearance, and claims he failed to attempt to understand the events surrounding May 24, 2019, the day Jennifer disappeared, along with her relationship with Fotis at the time.
Troconis also claims Bowman told her that then Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo threatened that if she didn’t speak with police, that she would be charged with accessory to murder, and would never see her child again, among other claims.
Conclusion
The Troconis family continues to maintain Michelle’s innocence. The pre-trial hearing on the contempt of court charge is scheduled for Wednesday, and it remains to be seen how the case will proceed.
FAQs
Q: What is the contempt of court charge against Michelle Troconis?
A: The contempt of court charge is related to Troconis allegedly showing a sealed custody report on her laptop during her trial.
Q: What is the habeas corpus petition?
A: The habeas corpus petition is a claim that Troconis’ first attorney, Andrew Bowman, failed to provide adequate counsel, and that she was coerced into speaking with police.
Q: What is the current status of Michelle Troconis?
A: Troconis is currently serving a 14-and-a-half-year sentence after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with physical evidence, hindering prosecution, and additional charges.
Q: What is the family’s stance on Michelle Troconis’ innocence?
A: The Troconis family continues to maintain Michelle’s innocence.
