In a shocking development in the Fotis Dulos murder trial, the family's nanny, Lauren Almeida, testified about the unsettling circumstances she encountered on the day of Jennifer Dulos' disappearance.

The trial of Michelle Troconis, Fotis Dulos' partner, has taken a dramatic turn with the testimony of Almeida, the nanny of Jennifer Dulos' children.

Almeida, 32, provided a harrowing account of the day Jennifer Dulos went missing, including details about the children's lunch in a kitchen where 'blood-like stains' were later found. Fotis Dulos, who committed suicide in January 2020, is accused of murdering his wife in their New Canaan home on May 24, 2019.

Troconis faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering, and hindering prosecution, all of which she denies, as the Daily Mail reported.

Unsettling discoveries in the Dulos household

Almeida described her day on May 24, 2019, when she entered Jennifer's home twice, unaware of the alleged crime scene in the kitchen.

She found Jennifer's purse on the floor and her usual morning tea and granola bar untouched, which she found odd but dismissed as Jennifer being in a rush.

Later, Almeida picked up four of the Dulos children from school and had lunch with them in the kitchen, not realizing the significance of the tiny bloodstains in the room. The fifth child was at a friend's house at the time.

Alarming absence at scheduled appointments

After lunch, Almeida drove the children to New York for a scheduled meeting with Jennifer at an orthodontist's office.

However, Jennifer never showed up for her appointments, which deeply concerned Almeida. She recalled sending several text messages to Jennifer without receiving any replies.

Almeida's growing concern led her to contact mutual friends and eventually the New Canaan Police, initiating a missing person investigation. She also spoke with Fotis Dulos later that day, who made no mention of Jennifer's disappearance.

Insights into the Dulos family dynamics

Almeida's testimony shed light on the breakdown of Jennifer and Fotis' marriage following his affair with Troconis.

She described the marriage as initially "odd" but amicable, which turned "tense and uncomfortable" after the affair was revealed.

Almeida also recounted an incident where Jennifer hid from Fotis behind a door with her youngest child and the nanny, indicating Jennifer's fear of her husband. She noted Jennifer's deteriorating mental and physical health following the affair's revelation.

Throughout her testimony, Almeida painted a picture of Jennifer as a nurturing mother and Fotis as largely absent from family life.

She continues to live with the Dulos children and their maternal grandmother, Gloria.

The ongoing trial and search for justice

The trial, which began on Jan. 11, is expected to continue for six weeks.

Prosecutors allege Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer in their home and that Troconis helped dispose of evidence. Jennifer's body has never been found, but she was officially declared dead last week.

During the trial, jurors were shown evidence of suspected bloodstains in Jennifer's home and garage. The defense has challenged the reliability of luminol tests used to identify these stains as blood, labeling them as "junk science."

The trial has garnered significant attention, with Jennifer's family and friends hoping it will bring accountability for her death and answers to many unanswered questions.

The case continues to unfold, with more testimonies and evidence expected in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

• Lauren Almeida's testimony provides critical insights into the day of Jennifer Dulos' disappearance.
• Almeida describes finding unusual signs in the Dulos home and Jennifer's absence at scheduled appointments.
• The trial of Michelle Troconis continues, with the defense challenging the evidence and the prosecution presenting a case of murder and conspiracy.