STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — A woman convicted of helping her boyfriend plot and cover up the murder of his estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos, during contentious divorce proceedings in Connecticut was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison Friday, after Dulos' mother and children testified about their heartbreak. Michelle Troconis , 49, was convicted in March of conspiracy to commit murder, hindering prosecution, evidence tampering and other charges in the 2019 disappearance of Dulos, whose body has never been found.
A probate judge declared her legally dead last year. Prosecutors say Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer Dulos at her New Canaan home and drove away with her body. He died by suicide in 2020, soon after being charged with murder.
He had denied killing his wife. Troconis was living with Fotis Dulos when his wife disappeared. She and her lawyer said she had nothing to do with the plot.
Judge Kevin Randolph in Stamford on Friday issued a 20-year prison sentence, to be suspended after 14 1/2 years. Troconis must then serve five years probation. She could have been sentenced up to 45 years.
Some of Jennifer Dulos' family and friends said the sentence wasn’t nearly long enough. Troconis’ lawyer asked the judge to release her on bond pending an appeal. Randolph denied the request.
About 80 people packed the courtroom for the sentencing, with Jennifer Dulos’ family and friends on one side and Troconis’ supporters on the other. All five of Dulos’ children and her mother Glo.
