Fatal Traits

Roxanne Donaghy

Fatal Traits is a true crime podcast that goes beyond the headlines to explore the psychology behind the crime. Hosted by Roxanne Donaghy, each episode examines real cases through the lens of personality, behavior, manipulation, narcissism, coercive control, obsession, and motive. Because crimes rarely begin with violence—they often begin with traits. From notorious murder cases and family tragedies to psychological red flags and criminal behavior patterns, Fatal Traits asks the question many true crime stories leave unanswered: Why? Join us as we uncover the warning signs, behavioral patterns, and hidden motives that often exist long before the headlines.

Episodes

  1. Oct 25

    Episode 7: The Voice Left Behind

    Send Roxy a message Episode 7: The Voice Left Behind — The Jennifer Dulos Case What happens when the man accused of murder dies before he can ever stand trial? In this gripping episode of Fatal Traits — Where True Crime Meets Psychological Motive, host Roxy continues the haunting story of Jennifer Farber Dulos, the Connecticut mother of five who vanished on May 24, 2019. As Fotis Dulos faced murder charges, his life came to a tragic end in January 2020. But before his death, he left behind a handwritten note declaring his innocence and defending two others connected to the investigation. Was it simply a final declaration, or an attempt to influence the story he would leave behind? The investigation was far from over. Roxy explores the surveillance footage, discarded evidence, changing statements, and mysterious timelines that would become central to the case against Michelle Troconis. This episode's Fatal Trait: Narrative Manipulation. How do people attempt to control the truth? What happens when stories change? And how can we recognize the warning signs of deception without confusing suspicion with proof? As the investigation moves toward Michelle Troconis's trial, one heartbreaking question remains unanswered. Where is Jennifer Dulos? Join Roxy as she examines the evidence, the psychology of control, and the story that death could not silence. 🎙️ Fatal Traits — Where True Crime Meets Psychological Motive Content Advisory: This episode discusses homicide allegations, suicide, and psychological manipulation. Behavioral analysis is educational and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis. Follow Fatal Traits for Episode 8, when we step inside the courtroom for the trial of Michelle Troconis. #FatalTraits #JenniferDulos #FotisDulos #MichelleTroconis #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #PsychologyOfCrime #NarrativeManipulation

  2. Sep 5

    Jennifer Dulos — When the Walls Closed In

    Send Roxy a message For more than seven months, Jennifer Dulos was missing. Then, on January 7, 2020, the investigation changed dramatically. Fotis Dulos was arrested and charged with murder, felony murder, and kidnapping. Michelle Troconis and Kent Mawhinney also faced charges as investigators and prosecutors laid out a case built not around one single piece of evidence, but around a trail of surveillance footage, phone records, vehicle movements, forensic evidence, and alleged attempts to conceal what happened. In Episode 6 of Fatal Traits, Roxanne examines what happened as the investigation tightened around Fotis Dulos—and the psychological trait at the center of this chapter: the desperate need for control. But even after murder charges were filed, one devastating question remained: Where was Jennifer? And as Fotis faced the possibility of returning to jail, another extraordinary turn was about to change the case forever. What did Fotis leave behind? 🎙️ Fatal Traits — Where true crime meets psychological motive. Content Notice: This episode discusses a real criminal case and includes references to violence, death, coercive behavior, and other potentially disturbing subject matter. Jennifer Dulos remains missing.

  3. Sep 3

    The Evidence That Changed Everything: The Jennifer Dulos Case

    Send Roxy a message   Jennifer Dulos disappeared on May 24, 2019.  By this point in the investigation, the case was beginning to change. What initially appeared to be a missing-person investigation was becoming something much darker.  In Episode 5 of Fatal Traits, we follow the evidence that began to expose what happened after Jennifer vanished — from the evidence discovered in the garage, to surveillance footage, the Chevrolet Suburban connected to the investigation, discarded items, and the growing trail investigators were piecing together.  We also examine a psychological trait that can become incredibly dangerous: overconfidence and the illusion of control.  What happens when someone believes they have planned everything perfectly?  And what happens when investigators begin finding the pieces they thought they had hidden?  As the evidence continues to build, the investigation moves closer to the criminal case that would follow.  This is the Jennifer Dulos story — and the evidence is beginning to speak for itself.  ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic abuse, violence, disappearance, and evidence from a criminal investigation.  Fatal Traits explores the psychology and behavioral patterns behind true crime. This podcast discusses allegations and court proceedings for informational purposes and does not claim that allegations are facts unless established through the legal process.

  4. Jun 26

    Episode 4: The Jennifer Dulos Story – Part 2: The Cracks Begin to Show

    Send Roxy a message Episode 4: The Jennifer Dulos Story – Part 2: The Cracks Begin to Show From the outside, Jennifer and Fotis Dulos appeared to have built an enviable life—a successful business, a beautiful home, and five children. But appearances rarely tell the whole story. In Part 2 of this special series, we move beyond the headlines and examine the years leading up to Jennifer's disappearance. Through publicly available court records, documented filings, and reputable reporting, we explore Jennifer's decision to file for divorce, the increasingly contentious custody battle, and the concerns she documented as she fought to protect her children. This episode isn't about sensationalism. It's about understanding the gradual changes that can occur behind closed doors and the difficult decisions people make when they believe something has to change. Join me as we continue Jennifer's story with compassion, careful research, and a commitment to separating documented facts from speculation. In this episode: Jennifer's decision to file for divorceHer documented concerns in court filingsThe growing custody battleWhy appearances can be deceivingThe beginning of a story that would eventually capture national attentionNext Episode: The Jennifer Dulos Story – Part 3 Fatal Traits is a true crime podcast that explores the psychology and behavioral patterns behind real criminal cases through documented evidence, court records, and reputable reporting. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who enjoys thoughtful, research-based true crime.

    Episode 4: The Jennifer Dulos Story – Part 2: The Cracks Begin to Show

  5. Jun 16

    The Fatal Trait of Coercive Control: The Jennifer Dulos Case (Part 1)

    Send Roxy a message   What happens when control becomes more important than love? In this episode of Fatal Traits, we begin examining one of the most dangerous and often misunderstood forms of abuse: coercive control. Many people believe abuse begins with physical violence. But long before bruises, police reports, or visible injuries, there are often warning signs that quietly reshape a person's world. Isolation, surveillance, control disguised as concern, and punishment for independence can slowly erode freedom and autonomy. Using the case of Jennifer Dulos as a real-life example, we explore how coercive control can develop over time and why these behaviors are so often overlooked. In Part 1, we'll discuss: • What coercive control is • Common misconceptions about abuse • Jennifer Dulos's background and early life • Early warning signs that experts often associate with controlling relationships • Why recognizing these patterns matters This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The observations discussed are based on publicly available information and are not intended as psychological, legal, or medical advice. If you enjoy Fatal Traits, please follow, rate, and share the podcast. Because understanding the warning signs may help someone recognize them before it's too late.

    The Fatal Trait of Coercive Control: The Jennifer Dulos Case (Part 1)

  6. Jun 9

    What Is a Fatal Trait? The Warning Signs We Ignore Until It's Too Late

    Send Roxy a message What exactly is a fatal trait? In this episode of Fatal Traits, host Roxanne Donaghy explores the personality characteristics and behavior patterns that often appear long before abuse, manipulation, violence, or tragedy occurs. From narcissism and coercive control to obsession, deception, and a lack of empathy, we'll examine why certain behaviors matter, why warning signs are often overlooked, and how patterns can reveal more than isolated incidents. Because understanding what happened is only half the story. The real question is why. Until next time, stay curious, stay aware, and pay attention to the patterns. Because behavior leaves clues.

  7. Jun 6

    Why I Created Fatal Traits

    Send Roxy a message Welcome to the very first episode of Fatal Traits. In this introduction, host Roxanne Donaghy shares the inspiration behind the podcast and explains why understanding human behavior, personality traits, manipulation, and psychological motives is essential to understanding crime. This episode introduces the mission of Fatal Traits and explores how warning signs, behavior patterns, and relationship dynamics often exist long before tragedy occurs. If you've ever found yourself asking not just what happened, but why, this podcast is for you.

  • 7 Episodes

About

Fatal Traits is a true crime podcast that goes beyond the headlines to explore the psychology behind the crime. Hosted by Roxanne Donaghy, each episode examines real cases through the lens of personality, behavior, manipulation, narcissism, coercive control, obsession, and motive. Because crimes rarely begin with violence—they often begin with traits. From notorious murder cases and family tragedies to psychological red flags and criminal behavior patterns, Fatal Traits asks the question many true crime stories leave unanswered: Why? Join us as we uncover the warning signs, behavioral patterns, and hidden motives that often exist long before the headlines.

Information

  • Creator
    Roxanne Donaghy
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fatal Traits
  • Show Website
    Fatal Traits