Court does not accept appeal from Franklin man accused of killing Colombian DJ girlfriend

BOGOTA, Colombia (CBS 58) -- A court in Colombia did not accept an appeal last Thursday by Franklin native, John Poulos who faces femicide charges in the murder of his ex-girlfriend Valentina Trespalacios.

Poulos' attorney filed an appeal stating that his client and Trespalacios used psychoactive substances and that this factor, according to the attorney, should be evaluated by the judge because it would be relevant in the process.

The judge, however, did not accept the appeal and stated that the apparent use of substances would not affect the accusation, nor would it have an effect on the evidence presented. The defense also requested that two statements from the flight that Poulos made from Bogotá to Panama be reviewed, arguing that his client did not return on a commercial flight, instead was with the National Police, which would make his capture illegal. However, the court ruled that "no degree of relevance" to the process was demonstrated.

His accusation of aggravated femicide and concealment of evidence still stands, which means if found guilty he would serve a sentence of more than 50 years in prison.

Franklin native John Poulos pleaded not guilty in court in Columbia Tuesday, Sept. 5.

According to reports, Poulos alleged, "I will not accept the charges and I maintain my innocence," while detained in La Picota prison in Bogotá. 

Poulos -- who previously lived in Franklin with three kids and his wife before filing for divorce in 2021-- is accused of murdering Colombian DJ Trespalacios in January 2023.

Court findings indicate he flew to Colombia in December of 2022 to meet with his girlfriend, Trespalacios, later, allegedly killing her, hiding her body in a suitcase, and disposing her corpse in a dumpster. He tried to flee to Istanbul, Turkey, but in Jan. 24, 2023, Poulos was ultimately arrested in Panama.