STAMFORD, Conn. — The jury in the Michelle Troconis trial heard Monday the results of DNA tests done on more evidence processed during the search for missing New Canaan mom, Jennifer Dulos. Troconis is facing multiple charges in connection to Jennifer's disappearance, including conspiracy to commit murder.
The jury heard from Kristen Madel, a DNA analyst who tested evidence from trash found in garbage cans along Albany Ave. in Hartford and from a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. She previously testified on evidence tested for DNA at Jennifer's New Canaan home and garage.
Troconis' DNA results were analyzed twice, as the lab analyzed her DNA in 2019 and 2023 using different DNA samples from her and two different testing programs. Both results are considered valid, Madel testified.
Regardless, both tests showed Michelle’s DNA was found on one of the garbage bags.
“I want you to assume that the defendant in her third interview with police indicated to them that she held a bag open for Mr. Dulos as he deposited something in the bag," the prosecuting attorney said to Madel on the stand. "Is it possible that her DNA could have gotten on the bag as she was holding it?"
"Yes that’s possible,” Madel replied.
The jury will see a full video of that third police interview at a later date.
TROCONIS TRIAL: More evidence tested for blood in Dulos case presented to jury
In the meantime, the court got caught up in "hypotheticals" on how Troconis’ DNA could have otherwise gotten on the bag.
"Assume for a minute...If a person were to pull a garbage bag out of a roll and put their hand to prevent the next one from pulling out, so you pull it off one, would that scenario be consistent with leaving some DNA on the next bag?" asked Troconis' defense attorney, Jon Schoenhorn.
"If your bare hand is coming in contact with an item, yes it's possible that you could leave DNA behind," Madel testified.
Tests done on a part of a sponge, a part of a glove, an unopened bag and a piece of duct tape came back "inconclusive" of whether Troconis' DNA matches the DNA found on these pieces of evidence.
The DNA of Fotis Dulos, the estranged husband of Jennifer, was detected on a Weather Tech mat in his SUV, a plastic bag, the inside of a glove, and on the hair found on a "reddish-brown" stained towel.
Jennifer’s DNA was found on her bloody shirt and bra, as well as on many parts of the garbage bags, duct tape and “ponchos” that were found. Her DNA was also found on gloves, a sponge, a broken mop handle and a hard white object.
Jennifer's DNA was found on a car seat found on the Toyota Tacoma, which is the vehicle believed Fotis drove to commit the crime the day Jennifer went missing.
A test done on a brown stain on the carpet of the Tacoma floor found the DNA of Pawel Gumienny, an employee of Fotis' construction company, Fore Group. Gumienny owned the Tacoma, according to court testimony.
The prosecution argues that most of the DNA was washed and cleaned away after the Tacoma was taken to a car wash days after Jennifer went missing, as many of the tests done on evidence from the Tacoma did not reveal DNA. Previous testimony also indicated that Gumienny took the seats of a Porsche and placed them in the truck, while two more car seats were found in the truck bed when investigators seized the truck.
TROCONIS TRIAL: Parental supervisor testifies on Fotis Dulos' visitation with kids before wife goes missing
Testimony will resume Tuesday morning.
---
Jennifer Farber Dulos, New Canaan mother of five, was last seen on May 24, 2019, dropping her children off at school. She was reported missing that evening, and an investigation was started.
Troconis is the one-time girlfriend of Jennifer’s estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, who was charged with Jennifer’s murder before he took his life in January 2020.
Troconis faces six charges:
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence – In connection to May 24, 2019
- Tampering with physical evidence – In connection to May 24, 2019
- Conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence – In connection to May 29, 2019
- Tamping with physical evidence – In connection to May 29, 2019
- Hindering prosecution
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.