GUILTY CT - Jennifer Dulos, 50, deceased/not found, New Canaan, 24 May 2019 *ARRESTS* #71

[Seattle1]

The Superior Court decision says that the court found “by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent’s guilty plea, on June 13, 2025, to one count of interfering with an officer in violation of (state law) constitutes a ‘serious crime’ within the meaning of Practice Book Section 2-40.”

The court suspended Mawhinney from the practice of law for one year, retroactive to June 13, 2025, records show.

CT attorney connected to Jennifer Farber Dulos case has law license suspended

Kent Mawhinney, former lawyer and friend of the late Fotis Dulos, has had his law license suspended for a year.

www.courant.com

Wasn't his license wasn't already suspended per the charges/conviction against his wife? Wow!

 

[Mysticeilis]

Saw this today:

Report: Women at York Correctional were abused by officers

Disability Rights Connecticut found that the Connecticut Deptartment of Correction failed to protect women with mental illness from sexual abuse.

www.ctpublic.org

 

[sds71]

ROCKVILLE — Michelle Troconis will challenge her conviction and 14½-year prison sentence in the death of Jennifer Dulos on constitutional grounds when her habeas trial starts Monday.

https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/michelle-troconis-habeas-trial-jennifer-dulos-21268203.php

Judge to Rule on Michelle Troconis' Attempt to Vacate Her Conspiracy to Murder Jennifer Dulos Conviction

Troconis was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder in 2024 in connection with the death of Dulos, the estranged wife of her boyfriend

people.com

 

[Megnut]

ROCKVILLE — Michelle Troconis will challenge her conviction and 14½-year prison sentence in the death of Jennifer Dulos on constitutional grounds when her habeas trial starts Monday.

https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/michelle-troconis-habeas-trial-jennifer-dulos-21268203.php

Judge to Rule on Michelle Troconis' Attempt to Vacate Her Conspiracy to Murder Jennifer Dulos Conviction

Troconis was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder in 2024 in connection with the death of Dulos, the estranged wife of her boyfriend

people.com

I can only hope that, if she's granted a new trial, she gets a heavier sentence, beginning with consecutive terms.

If she were truly a victim of FD's charms, then why isn't she sharing everything she knows?

Why? Because she was in Tacoma lockstep with FD.

JMO

 

[Jmoose]

I can only hope that, if she's granted a new trial, she gets a heavier sentence, beginning with consecutive terms.

If she were truly a victim of FD's charms, then why isn't she sharing everything she knows?

Why? Because she was in Tacoma lockstep with FD.

JMO

In fact, why didn’t she share what she knew as soon as they both were arrested the first time? If she was afraid of him, that ship had sailed-and I’m sure Andrew Bowman told her that.

 

[sleuth66]

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/troconis-appeal-supreme-court-jennifer-dulos-death-21272634.php

She just really thinks that Herman custody report is her holy grail doesn’t she.

 

[Megnut]

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/troconis-appeal-supreme-court-jennifer-dulos-death-21272634.php

She just really thinks that Herman custody report is her holy grail doesn’t she.

It's tiresome. And offensive.

The process was not fast enough. And it works have resulted in a decade-plus long arrangement involving coordinating visitation, child support, etc. The plan these geniuses concocted solved all that. Instant gratification. In$tant gratification.

It all fell apart when FD left a bloody scene in New Canaan.

Releasing the "holy grail" IMO wouldn't help her; it would show how impatient, greedy and cruel FD and MT were.

JMO

 

[LosAngeles]

In fact, why didn’t she share what she knew as soon as they both were arrested the first time? If she was afraid of him, that ship had sailed-and I’m sure Andrew Bowman told her that.

Exactly, if she were afraid of him, she would have packed up and moved her daughter far far away from this man she was afraid of the minute she saw that he wasn’t concerned for the safety of a missing mother of his 5 children. Her actions are a far cry from a frightened damsel (mistress, actually) on many levels as we have witnessed on numerous CCTV footage.

 

[Megnut]

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/troconis-appeal-supreme-court-jennifer-dulos-death-21272634.php

She just really thinks that Herman custody report is her holy grail doesn’t she.

It wasn't even her house!

 

[Niner]

Monday, January 5th:
*Trial Proceeding set to begin (Day 1 of 3) (re Murder Charges/5th Amendment violation) (@ 10am ET) – CT – Jennifer Rebecca Farber Dulos (50) (May 24, 2019, New Canaan; still missing) – *Michelle C. Troconis (44/now 51) (Dulos’ GF) arrested & charged (6/1/19) & arraigned (6/3/19) with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence & hindering prosecution. Plead not guilty. $500K bond. Posted bond (on 6/3/19). These charges were dismissed (8/28/20) & recharged below. Stamford Sup Court #FST-CR-19-0148552-T Dismissed on 8/28/20
*Charged (9/5/19) & arraigned (10/4/19) with tampering with evidence involving the borrowed car from work colleague [Count 5] & conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence [Count 4-dismissed] (for 5/29/19). Plead not guilty. $100K bond. Posted bond (on 9/5/19). Off GPS 4/6/23. Stamford Norwalk
*Charged (1/7/20) with conspiracy to commit murder (for 5/24/19) [Count 1]. Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond reduced (1/8/20) to $1.5M & bonded out (on 1/9/20). Off GPS 4/6/23. Stamford-Norwalk
*Charged (8/28/20) with 2nd degree hindering prosecution [Count 6], tampering with physical evidence [Count 3[ & conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence [Count 2] (for 5/24/19). Plead not guilty. $500K bond. Posted bond. Off GPS 4/6/23.
After being found guilty - Bond changed (3/1/24) to $6M Cash/Surety Bond; house arrest. GPS monitoring. Passports surrendered. Appeal bond denied (5/31/24). Stamford-Norwalk
The declaration of death for Jennifer was officially issued by Judge William P. Osterndorf on October 24, 2023.
Trial began on 1/11/24. State rested their case on 2/21/24. Defense started their case on 2/21/24 & ended on 2/23/24. Closing arguments set for 2/27/24. Total deliberations: ~12 hours. Verdict: Guilty of all charges. Sentenced on 5/31/24 to 14.5 years in prison.
Remanded to jail with bond change to $6M Cash/Surety. Inmate #433612.
Superior Court Judge Kevin Randolph presiding for trial. Assistant State’s attorney Sean McGuinness & Supervisory assistant State’s attorney Michelle Manning & defense attorneys Jon Schoenhorn & Audrey Felson.
Appeal filed 7/17/24 (A.C. #47734). Appeal attorney Pamela Ngy assigned [12/18/24]. Habeas Corpus Petition filed [9/14/24] by attorney Michael W. Brown. 3/24/25: Appeal-Order on Motion for Review AC243465. Review is granted but the relief requested is denied.
Bond & Court info from 6/3/19 thru 1/10/24 & Trial Days 1-32 (1/11-3/1/24) & Verdict Watch Day 1-3 (2/28 & 3/1/24) & thru 5/15/25 reference post #897 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-canaan-24-may-2019-arrests-71.718361/page-45
6/13/25 Update: The attorney for Troconis, who was found guilty of multiple charges in the Jennifer Farber Dulos case, is calling for prosecutors to immediately dismiss a pending contempt charge after Kent Mawhinney pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Mawhinney pleaded guilty to interfering with a police officer Friday after the state dropped a conspiracy to commit murder charge. The plea deal allows Mawhinney to be sentenced to time served, which is 11 months in jail. Troconis' attorney Darnell Crosland: "Given Troconis’s conviction by the State & considering today’s outcome, the ongoing contempt charges against her should be immediately dismissed. Pursuing this matter for a potential maximum of six additional months would be an unnecessary drain on resources & time.”
7/25/25 Docket update: Motion for Rectification filed by Troconis. Defendant is requesting a hearing on this motion. The State does not object to this motion signed by Judge Kevin Randolph [see post #975, page 49].
8/14/25 Update: State Superior Court Judge Carl Schuman has ruled that Troconis, who is serving more than 14 years in prison in the death & disappearance of Jennifer Dulos, can take to trial the habeas challenge of her conviction on claims her first attorney [Andrew Bowman] was ineffective. Bowman denies charges of ineffective counsel. In the ruling issued Aug. 8, Judge Carl Schuman denied the state's motion filed a month before to have Troconis' habeas challenge to her conviction thrown out, paving the way for the challenge to move to a trial, which is scheduled for January. Troconis in the habeas challenge is seeking a release from prison & to have the conviction overturned.
8/15/25 Update: TSR-CV24-5001865-S - Troconis, Michelle #433612 v. Commissioner of Correction. Trial proceedings will start on 1/5/26 & continue on 1/9/26 & on 1/16/26 all at 10am. The Jan 2026 trial is a civil court matter re violation of her Fifth Amendment rights.
11/3/25 Docket update: The Respondent's Motion in Limine was filed today in response to Troconis' witness list (names 16 potential witnesses). See document link at post #1148, page 58, thread #71.
11/10/25 Update: Troconis' Appeal update: The attorney representing Troconis in her appeal has filed her brief laying out why Troconis’ convictions in connection with the disappearance & presumed murder of Jennifer Dulos should be overturned. In March 2024, a jury found Troconis guilty of conspiring with her former boyfriend, Fotis Dulos, to kill his estranged wife and helping him cover up the crime. She was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering, conspiracy to commit evidence tampering & hindering prosecution. The appeal is separate from Troconis’ habeas challenge to be released from prison & have her convictions vacated. That case, which is based on Troconis’ claims her constitutional rights were violated during the Jennifer Dulos investigation in 2019, is due to go to trial in January.
11/12/25 Update: Brief of Defendant-Appellant with separately bound party appendix. See post #1173, page 59, Thread #71 for link to document.
12/1/25 Docket update: Petitioner’s Witness List1. Under Practice Book § 23-28(a)(1), the petitioner may call the following witnesses: (1) Attorney Andrew Bowman, (2) Attorney Richard Colangelo, (3) Attorney Jon Schoenhorn, (4) Attorney Audrey Felsen, (5) Attorney Michael Meehan, (6) Attorney Michael Rose, (7) Attorney Michael Fitzpatrick, (8) Sgt. Bob Hazen, (9) Sgt. Kenneth Ventresca, (10) Det. John Kimball, (11) Det. Corey Clabbey, (12) Dr. Stephen Herman, (13) Dr. Stephen Humphrey, (14) Claudia Troconis-Marmol, (15) Daniela Troconis, (16) Marisela Arreaza, (17) Dr. Carlos Troconis, (18) Herbert King, (19) Daniel Markle, (20) The petitioner, Michelle Troconis. See post #1211, page 61, thread #71 for link.
12/6/25 Update: State's Witness List filed on 11/10/25. Respondent's Witness list: Pursuant to Practice Book Section 23-38, the respondent, Commissioner of Correction. Lists the following witnesses who it may call at trial: (1) Attorney Andrew B. Bowman; (2) Attorney Richard Colangelo; (3) John Kimball; (4) Corey Clabby; (5) Robert Hazen; (6) Chaz Martin; (7) Alison Peters; (8) Kenneth Ventresca; and (9) Joseph Ferenga. The respondent does not anticipate securing an expert to testify in this habeas proceeding. See post #1219, page 61 for link.
*Charged & arrested (3/1/24) & arraigned (3/21/24) with criminal contempt of court (on 2/15/24). Bond $100. Plead not guilty (7/10/24).
Trial was set to begin on 3/11/25 continued with no further dates. [new attorney]. (might be Bench trial).
Judge Alex Hernandez presiding. Asst. State Attorney Elizabeth Moran & Defense attorney Darnell Crosland.
Court info from 3/6/24 to 4/15/25 reference post #897 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-canaan-24-may-2019-arrests-71.718361/page-45
4/21/25 Update: Troconis' attorney attempted to have her contempt charge dismissed. No ruling was made on that dismissal on Monday as the state prepares a response that is due 5/7/25. Troconis is due back in court on 6/18/25. Defense attorney Crosland attempted to motion to allow Troconis to appear virtually for her next appearance instead of being transported to Stamford, but that motion was denied. New Haven State's attorney Liz Moran has taken over the case from Stamford State's attorney Paul Ferencek. A Disposition Hearing has been scheduled for 6/18/25. This will take place in Stamford-Norwalk JD Courthouse.
6/18/25 Update: State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek brought up that initially, the state believed the matter would be dealt with during the trial (there was supposed to be a hearing before closings but that changed). Ferencek also said it would be a waste of time & money to pick a jury & go to trial on this matter when the max sentence is 6 months & Troconis is already serving a 14.5 year sentence. “The state would rather focus its efforts on fighting Troconis’ appeal.” Contempt charges were dismissed.

 

[sds71]

Monday’s trial was set to start around 10 a.m. at Rockville Superior Court.

Only the judge will hear the case and will have 120 days to file his decision.

After Monday’s appearance, there will be two follow-up hearings on January 9 and 16.

Michelle Troconis seeks new trial in Jennifer Dulos murder case

Michelle Troconis is expected to argue for her release from prison and a new trial.

www.wfsb.com

 

[Seattle1]

I can only think of two previous habeas corpus petitions, and neither was successful.

For example, Danny Masterson filed a habeas petition mid November 2025 to vacate his two rape convictions and subsequent 30-years to life prison sentence--alleging his attorney failed to call sufficient witnesses. But on 12/31/25, the docket shows his defense team asked to have his two distinct bids to have his conviction overturned — his direct appeal, which is now fully briefed, and his habeas corpus petition, which was recently filed — be consolidated as one unified case. IMO, this will certainly fail both on constitutional and procedural grounds!

The second case was that of Brendan Dassey (Making a Murderer). In 2016, the court accepted his habeas petition and overturned his conviction, but in 2017, the Appellate Court ruled his conviction was not coerced, and he would not get a new trial. His guilty verdict was upheld.

Masterson

Dassey

 

[Seattle1]

IMO, the defense is really grasping for straws! These arguments were already heard during pretrial discovery hearings. Nowhere did the state allege Jennifer's murder was motivated by adverse custody rulings! The murder was motivated by FD and MT wanting Jennifer gone, and FD having access to his wife's assets, and the money belonging to his children.

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/troconis-appeal-supreme-court-jennifer-dulos-death-21272634.php

Jan 3, 2025

Attorneys for Troconis argued in its motion that a psychiatrist's custody evaluation would have undercut the state's theory that the murder was motivated by adverse custody rulings.

Nagy wrote that while the state introduced evidence about the custody dispute, the defense was prohibited from questioning witnesses about Herman's report or introducing portions of it because a family court judge had sealed the materials after Jennifer Dulos' disappearance. Nagy argues on appeal that the sealing order should not have been used to exclude highly relevant evidence in a criminal trial and that doing so violated Troconis' constitutional right to confront witnesses and to present a defense.

Troconis is also challenging the legality of police searches at the home Troconis shared with Fotis Dulos, according to the motion.

 

[Niner]

@Seattle1 - do you know if the Judge in these proceedings is going to be Kevin Randolph? The one who heard her trial? TIA if you know - or anyone reading here might know!

 

[Seattle1]

@Seattle1 - do you know if the Judge in these proceedings is going to be Kevin Randolph? The one who heard her trial? TIA if you know - or anyone reading here might know!

No, this is a different jurisdiction and an appellate jurist. Let me see if I can get the name. I'm sure I have the room number.

@Niner - found it. The Judge for the Habeas hearing on 1/5, 1/9, and 1/16/26: Schuman, J.

 

[Seattle1]

Michelle Troconis seeks release through habeas challenge before appeal ruling

Michelle Troconis seeks habeas release, alleging ineffective counsel after conviction in Jennifer Dulos case.

www.fox61.com

1/5/26

Interesting opinions by two experts at link above. It's unusual to go for the habeas petition before the appellate decision.

 

[Seattle1]

On 12/25/25, MT found an expert witness (MICHAEL FITZPATRICK) to argue that Attorney Bowman's conduct allegedly fell below the standard of care... she's also back to blaming him for no interpreter.

https://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/DocumentInquiry/DocumentInquiry.aspx?DocumentNo=31646792

 

[pernickety]

I can only think of two previous habeas corpus petitions, and neither was successful.

For example, Danny Masterson filed a habeas petition mid November 2025 to vacate his two rape convictions and subsequent 30-years to life prison sentence--alleging his attorney failed to call sufficient witnesses. But on 12/31/25, the docket shows his defense team asked to have his two distinct bids to have his conviction overturned — his direct appeal, which is now fully briefed, and his habeas corpus petition, which was recently filed — be consolidated as one unified case. IMO, this will certainly fail both on constitutional and procedural grounds!

The second case was that of Brendan Dassey (Making a Murderer). In 2016, the court accepted his habeas petition and overturned his conviction, but in 2017, the Appellate Court ruled his conviction was not coerced, and he would not get a new trial. His guilty verdict was upheld.

Masterson

Dassey

What about Michael Skakel? He filed habeas on ineffective assistance of counsel--Mickey Sherman. He won in trial court. It was overturned--eventually by Supreme Court. Then motion for reconsideration filed (with some new members of SC to consider it), and they overturned previous decision, so now MS is free. Is my memory correct?

 

[Seattle1]

What about Michael Skakel? He filed habeas on ineffective assistance of counsel--Mickey Sherman. He won in trial court. It was overturned--eventually by Supreme Court. Then motion for reconsideration filed (with some new members of SC to consider it), and they overturned previous decision, so now MS is free. Is my memory correct?

From this timeline, he's free on grounds other than writ of habeas corpus petition.

https://www.cnn.com/us/michael-skakel-fast-facts