Under the microscope in the missing person’s case, now in its 19th day, are Jennifer Dulos' estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis.
Fotis Dulos’ attorney, Norm Pattis, told NBC News he understands why his client is under suspicion, but urged people to follow the evidence and not their hunches.
“A spouse is always one of the first suspects you look at. That’s the nature of marriage if you’ve ever been married for more than a couple of years. So there’s motive, but motive is ubiquitous,” said Pattis.
Pattis spoke in depth about the case against his client, Fotis Dulos, the estranged husband of Jennifer Dulos, the mother of his five children, who’s been missing for almost three weeks. Dulos posted bond Tuesday, a week and half after he was arrested for evidence tampering and hindering prosecution in the case. Court documents suggest someone matching his appearance was seen on surveillance video throwing away bags of trash in Hartford.
“Why do you think he’s in such jeopardy, his behavior with the bags if it can be proven is deeply troubling and requires an explanation. We understand and accept that. That doesn’t make him a murderer,” said Pattis.
Jennifer Dulos’ whereabouts are unknown and at this point investigators have only said that it appears she was the victim of a serious assault.
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"Obviously the allegations are deeply disturbing. (Jennifer's) a sympathetic figure. I understand why people suspect Mr. Dulos, but I would ask people to follow the evidence not their hunches," he said.
Dulos’ girlfriend of two years, Michelle Troconis, faces the same charges. Pattis said the pair have not been in contact since their arrests.
“I know my client deeply loves her and wants nothing more than to call her and tell her, 'I love you.' That’s a move I won’t let him make,” said Pattis.
NBC Connecticut saw a woman who appeared to be Troconis with her attorney and Connecticut State Police in the backyard of the home she shared with Fotis last week. Pattis said people close to the investigation have told him she took a polygraph test and denied having any information to benefit the investigation.
“Her lawyer won’t talk to us, although she’s spoken to the police. In due course we’ll get copies of her statement,” Pattis added.
Pattis said he is not worried about any information Troconis might give to investigators.
"I had expected when she spoke to the police the body would be forth coming if she knew where it was. That would be her get-out-of-jail-free card. But how many days have passed now with no addition to the case?" he pointed out.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the state attorney’s office for this story, but did not hear back.
Both Fotis and Troconis are court-mandated to stay within the state of Connecticut and be monitored by GPS bracelets they are both wearing while out on bond.
