WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — With Thursday marking the first day of trial for Michelle Troconis, it has brought back tough memories of Jennifer Dulos' disappearance for the community.
Conversations of domestic violence have been ignited again while hoping this trial will bring renewed peace to Jennifer's friends and family.
"Can’t remember anything in Farmington that tragic," said Toni Fishman of Farmington.
Fishman lives on Mountain Spring Road. Five years ago, his Ring camera captured what police believed to be Fotis Dulos' truck traveling back and forth days before and after Jennifer's disappearance.
Fishman at the time handed over his footage to investigators with hopes any small gesture would help them find Jennifer.
Since then, it has made him more aware of who passes by his house.
"I watch my Ring doorbell a lot more than I suspected that I would," added Fishman.
After Dulos committed suicide in 2020, the case went silent and residents were always left to wonder ... what happened to Jennifer?
"I just know that there is a hole in the community where there ought to be a solution for what happened for this woman here," added Fishman.
For the last few years, the memorial by the MDC Reservoir for Jennifer has stood strong.
Just days before the Michelle Troconis trial, women recently left notes that said "you are not forgotten" and rocks that said, "forever in our hearts."
In 2021, lawmakers passed Jennifer's Law to protect men and women from being the next victims.
"It expanded the definition of domestic violence in the state so that the definition included not just actual physical threats but also, so-called coercive control of a family or household member and that is where there’s a pattern of behavior – purpose of which to interfere with someone’s sort of free will," said Rep. Steve Stafstrom of the Judiciary Committee.
The CEO of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence said incidents like these do not discriminate.
"I might think they thought oh this can’t happen in this kind of community but it very much does every day and I think that was one thing that awakened some folks," said Meghan Scanlon of CCADV.
Scanlon said domestic violence is preventable. It is all about educating friends and family and connecting them to those services, ranging from offering shelter, law enforcement and court advocacy and counseling.
"I think any family that has gone through the loss of a loved one due to intimate partner violence knows that even with justice herring on the right side of justice, it doesn’t bring that person back," added Scanlon.
If you or something you know needs assistance about domestic violence, click here for CT Safe Connect's website.
You may also call 1-888-774-2900. It is a free and confidential resource center with someone available to help 24/7.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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