The judge in a suppression hearing involving Michelle Troconis ruled that statements she made in interviews with police may be used in her trial in January.
"The motions to suppress DNA evidence and to suppress the defendant's statements are denied," the decision reads.
Witnesses wrapped up testimony in a suppression hearing earlier this week. Troconis’ lawyer wanted statements made in her interviews with police suppressed for the trial, arguing they were given because of coercive tactics and Troconis’ constitutional rights were violated.
Investigators into the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos deny any wrongdoing, and maintain everything was relevant to the investigation.
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Troconis' lawyer Jon Schoenhorn argued statements made in the interviews shouldn’t make it to the full trial set to start Jan. 8.
He alleged that police lied to Troconis about evidence they had, mislead her on the timeline she had previously given them from the day Jennifer Dulos disappeared, and leveraged Troconis’ daughter and mother against her.
The state maintains no harm by investigators was done, saying Troconis understood what investigators needed. Investigators' say their issue was with her changing story during the thick of the investigation.
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Troconis’ attorney has been arguing she was treated unlawfully when she went to the barracks to have a DNA sample taken, fingerprints taken and photographs done. She was stripped to take the photos - something Schoenhorn argues should have never happened, and it was an attempt to humiliate Troconis, and pry information out of her.
But the state again maintains protocol was followed; a female trooper was called in to take the photos, and they were handled appropriately once downloaded for evidence.
