Tragedy unfolded on Long Island as Daniel Coppola was arrested for the murder of his ex-wife and her partner.
In a devastating act of violence, Daniel Coppola allegedly shot his ex-wife, Kelly Coppola, and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman, while they slept in their St. James residence, New York Post reported.
The chilling crime took place late at night on a quiet Wednesday, specifically at 11:45 p.m., according to police records. Sources briefed on the case said that Daniel Coppola briefly instructed his daughter to remain in his vehicle, parked outside the home at 21 Brasswood Road, before committing the murders.
Following the shootings, Coppola returned to his car, where he shockingly informed his daughter of the horrific act. He told her, “I killed your mother and Kenny,” as they drove away from the scene. This was later confirmed by Detective Lt. Kevin Breyer of the investigating team.
Det. Breyer further detailed how during this dire ride, Coppola’s daughter desperately texted her friends, unsure of her father's actions or her mother's well-being. “I don’t know what my father did. I don’t know how my mother is," she texted, relayed Breyer.
The Coppolas had their divorce finalized a year or two before the fatal incident. This resolution, however, did not seem to bring peace, as indicated by police comments on the antagonistic nature of their separation.
Kenneth Pohlman Sr. shared details of the event from a personal perspective, stating: "He leaves her in the car, goes behind the bush … and he broke down the door, went up [and] did what he did." The gravity of the incident shook the close-knit community, evident in the senior Pohlman's disbelief and grief echoed in his heartbroken words, "How do you wrap your head around it?"
Police quickly arrested Daniel Coppola at his residence, just a mile away from the crime scene. Currently, he is undergoing a mental health evaluation as part of the investigation process.
A friend of Kenneth Pohlman noted his absence at a routine gym session the morning after the murder, bringing a personal touch to the tragedy, "He didn’t show up at the gym this morning. I shot him a text, and I got no response from him. Now, I know why."
The community's respect and affection for Pohlman were palpable, with Geoff Boyle describing him as "a great family man" and an "awesome workout buddy." These sentiments reflect the void his untimely death has left in the lives of many.
This heartbreaking incident raises acute concerns about domestic violence and the scars it leaves on families and communities. Despite previous disputes, authorities did not issue any orders of protection against Daniel, raising questions about the measures taken to protect individuals from potential threats.
The broader Long Island community and the families involved are now grappling with the aftermath of a double homicide that ended two lives too soon and scarred another—the daughter who had to bear witness to the aftermath of her father's actions.
As authorities and neighbors ponder the catastrophic impacts of domestic issues turned violent, the investigation continues. Legal proceedings against Daniel Coppola are expected to reveal more about the motives and circumstances surrounding this tragic case, as the community seeks closure and answers.
