STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A DNA expert from the state took the stand on the fifth day of the trial of Michelle Troconis, charged in connection with the disappearance and death of Jennifer Farber Dulos, a New Canaan mother of five.
Kristen Madel, a forensic science examiner in the DNA unit, testified about how samples were processed and what was found at Farber Dulos’ house on Welles Lane and in and around her cars after she went missing on May 24, 2019. Some of that evidence was brought to the lab in Meriden for further testing.
She explained that they can compare DNA samples, such as from a cheek swab, to evidence.
The jury heard that forensic science experts compared evidence to DNA samples from Farber Dulos, Troconis, Fotis Dulos, the five Dulos children, the nanny, and an employee of Dulos.
In Farber Dulos’ case, they tested her toothbrush.
“Were there a number of examples in this case in which you concluded the contributor to the profile was a single female individual and that it was 100 billion times more likely to be the profile of the toothbrush and everyone else was eliminated?” the prosecutor asked Madel.
“Yes, there were a bunch of samples,” she responded.
Some of those samples where Farber Dulos’ DNA was likely found included blood-like stains on the garage floor, on a paper towel roll on the kitchen island, garbage cans, and in and around her Chevy Suburban and Range Rover.
Madel testified there were a few samples that had a likelihood of matching Dulos’ DNA at least on one door knob and on the kitchen sink faucet spout.
“The DNA profile from item 5SI is at least 4.3 billion times more likely to occur if it originated from Fotis Dulos and one unknown individual than if it originated from two unknown individuals,” Madel said of the sink faucet spout.
The prosecution also asked if samples could be impacted if someone wore gloves or if something was wiped.
“Yes, you’re cleaning up some DNA,” Madel said.
In some cases, DNA was eliminated or inconclusive. None of the DNA discussed came up as a match for Troconis.
“There is no place in New Canaan or that Suburban that has Michelle Troconis’ DNA, and I’ll emphasize – this testing they can do can find as little as three cells, which is 22 trillion of a gram of DNA,” Jon Schoenhorn, Troconons’ attorney said.
Prosecutors allege Troconis, Dulos’ live-in girlfriend, was with him when he drove around Hartford disposing of evidence and was with him when he washed a truck to clear it of evidence.
Troconis has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. She has denied any involvement in Farber Dulos’ disappearance.
Court wrapped up for the day at 3 p.m. with Madel the only person taking the stand. Testimony is expected to resume Friday.
