Shanti Cooper-Tronnes appeared to have a picture-perfect life: a loving son, a devoted new husband, a successful career, and a stunning Victorian mansion.
But things took a dark turn, as explored in a true crime 20/20 episode on February 23, 2024.
What happened to David Tronnes?
David Tronnes faced justice on August 29, 2018, four months following Shanti Cooper-Tronnes’ tragic demise. Arrested at his mother’s residence, he was charged with first-degree murder and detained without bail.
During investigations, detectives unearthed a pivotal clue at his mother’s home: Shanti’s missing $15,000 engagement ring, believed to have been taken from her posthumously.
His trial encountered delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite arguments from his defense regarding his recent schizophrenia diagnosis, an Orange County judge ruled David competent in 2023, allowing the trial to proceed.
Commencing on October 12, 2023, the trial saw prosecutors presenting photos of the crime scene and highlighting discrepancies in David’s account and supposed alibi. Just six days into the trial, on October 18, the jury rendered a verdict of guilty for first-degree murder.
The presiding judge sentenced him to life imprisonment without parole. Throughout the trial, Shanti’s son, Jackson, attended faithfully, delivering an impact statement expressing the void left by his mother’s absence.
Reflecting on his statement to 20/20, Jackson conveyed his deep sorrow and emphasized his mother’s exceptional character and the injustice of her fate.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, David Tronnes commenced serving his sentence at the Northwest Florida Reception Center Annex on December 19, 2023.
