Need to Know
- Jennifer Dulos disappeared after taking her kids to school; her husband and his girlfriend were later found guilty of her murder.
- A new book titled Murder in the Dollhouse by Rich Cohen dives deep into this dramatic case.
- Below is an exclusive preview detailing the events that led to this tragic story.
One morning, Jennifer Dulos dropped her children off at the New Canaan Country School and vanished. Despite extensive searches, her body has never been found.
At the time of her disappearance, Jennifer and her husband, Fotis, were in the middle of a bitter divorce. The couple had met at Brown University and had five children together. From the outside, their life appeared perfect.
After Jennifer’s disappearance, both Fotis and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, were arrested. Tragically, Fotis took his own life just before his court appearance, while Michelle was tried and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder.
Now, Rich Cohen’s new book, Murder in the Dollhouse, reveals the truth behind the couple’s seemingly glamorous life, uncovering the reasons and motives behind this shocking crime.
In an exclusive excerpt from the book, readers can get a glimpse of Jennifer and Fotis’s relationship, including details about their wedding and the reactions of their loved ones.
A Timeline:
- September 2003: Jennifer’s dog, Sophie, passes away.
- December 2003: Jennifer meets Fotis at Aspen airport.
- January 2004: Fotis sends an email to Jennifer saying, “Test—Are you there?”
- March 2004: Fotis files for divorce.
- July 2004: Fotis finalizes the divorce.
- August 2004: Fotis and Jennifer marry.
Many who knew Jennifer found her quick decision to marry Fotis surprising, as she was known to be very careful and thoughtful. This speed is often seen as a warning sign when it comes to relationships.
Why did Jennifer, who had waited so long for the perfect partner, rush into marrying someone who seemed so different from her? Friends offer various explanations, ranging from a sense of urgency as she approached 40 to the fact that Fotis was the first man who could truly get past her father’s strict defenses.
Jennifer, excited about her future, hurried into marriage, even though Fotis seemed more focused on his business than starting a family.
They married quickly in a civil ceremony on August 28, 2004, and celebrated later with a grand party hosted by her parents. While Jennifer seemed happy with her new last name, some friends were unsure about Fotis, questioning what his true intentions were.
Guests at the wedding noticed a fun but strange vibe. While Jennifer’s college friends danced, there was a palpable sense of change; she was preparing to leave her old life behind for a suburban life. As the night went on, laughter and chatter filled the room, marked by a later exit gift—a silver pill case, which some guests found odd but fitting for the era.
To learn more about this captivating and tragic story, be sure to check out Murder in the Dollhouse, by Rich Cohen.
Copyright © 2025 by Rich Cohen. All rights reserved.
