Michelle Troconis to serve 14 1/2 years of 20-year sentence, judge rules

STAMFORD, CT (WFSB) - Michelle Troconis will spend 14 ½ years behind bars for her role in the 2019 death and disappearance of Jennifer Farber Dulos.

Troconis was facing up to 45 years in prison. Judge Kevin Randolph sentenced her to 20 years, but she’ll only have to serve 14 1/2.

The sentence was handed down after a long day of emotional statements from the family and friend of Farber Dulos, including her five children.

“My mom will never see us grow up, now growing up without my mother, her life was cut short and Michelle was a contributor,” said Noelle Dulos.

With photos of their mother on a court monitor, each of Farber Dulos’ five kids told the court how their lives will never be the same after May 24, 2019, the day she disappeared.

“She was my favorite person in the world, my role model. She is still somewhere in my heart, however I will never be the same person I was in CT all of this loss is because of Michelle Troconis,” said Constantine Dulos.

Back in March, a jury convicted Troconis in connection to the death of Farber Dulos, saying she not only knew about the crime, but helped then boyfriend and Jennifer’s estranged husband Fotis Dulos cover it up.

A statement was released on behalf of the family and friends of Jennifer, saying the sentencing brings them some relief.

“For us, there is some relief in knowing the defendant will serve substantial time for her crimes, starting now. This painful chapter has come to a close, but the legal process continues, and none of it will bring Jennifer back. The courageous, eloquent, and powerfully loving statements from her five children today made that achingly evident. We will continue to honor Jennifer’s memory and spirit in every way we can, day by day.”

They also thanked Judge Randolph and prosecutor Michelle Manning.

We thank Judge Randolph for his careful, expert consideration of all the factors involved in sentencing and acknowledge his wise observation that “every exercise is not ‘either/or.’” We are deeply grateful to prosecutor Michelle Manning for her thoughtful involvement of Jennifer’s family and loved ones in the proceedings and to everyone in the state’s attorney’s office for their years of commitment to this case. Heartfelt thanks also to the investigators who have supported us throughout this experience and who continue to search for Jennifer.

Thank you for respecting the privacy of Jennifer’s family and loved ones at this time.

A timeline of the Troconis Trail’s proceedings can be viewed here.

For hours Friday, Randolph listened to friends and family of Farber Dulos ask for the maximum sentence, saying she never showed remorse, with Troconis’ family asking for less. Troconis even made her own statement.

“I am deeply saddled by this tragedy that has affected so many lives. Found out during trial, man Fotis Dulos thought I knew. Deeply regret being in a relationship with Fotis Dulos,” Troconis said.

As for his sentence of 20 years, suspended after 14 1/2, Randolph stressed sentences aren’t based on how a judge feels, but rather what the law allows.

“Court relies on what law state/what law allows,” Randolph said. “Nature and circumstances of the offense - history background character of offender.”

After five-plus years a chapter is closed but the pain carries on.

“I wish I could share my victories with, but I can’t because she is not here anymore. I wish I knew she was in the stands watching me play. I wish I could come home and show her my grades and feel the genuine pride in me that I only got from her. I wish we could sit for hours and discuss everything there is to talk about. I wish she could see me mature from a boy to a young man. I wish I could hug mom again, but I can’t now,” said Petros Dulos.

While she was sentenced today, this will not be Troconis’ last time in a courtroom.

She has maintained her innocence and is appealing the conviction, a process that could take years.

Stay with Channel 3 for continuing coverage.