A tragic and shocking incident unfolded in Long Island on August 28, when 50-year-old Daniel Coppola fatally shot his ex-wife, Kelly Coppola, 50, and her new partner, Kenneth Pohlman, 53. The brutal act occurred in their upscale St. James home, marking a devastating turn in a previously contentious relationship.
The incident began late at night around 11:45 p.m., when Coppola allegedly forced his way into the couple’s million-dollar residence by breaking down the front door. Inside, while Kelly and Kenneth were asleep, Coppola carried out the fatal attack. Reports indicate that moments before the shooting, he had instructed his teenage daughter to remain in his car outside the house.
After the horrific act, Coppola returned to his daughter, informing her of the murders. He told her, “I killed your mother and Kenny.” Distressed and unsure of what had happened, the teenager texted her friends, expressing her confusion and concern. Unable to reach Kelly by phone, her friends immediately contacted 911, prompting a swift police response.
Coppola was apprehended later that night at his own residence, located about a mile from the crime scene. He was found to be making suicidal statements, leading authorities to place him under mental evaluation. He now faces two counts of second-degree murder.
The tragic event came after the couple had finalized their divorce, which had reportedly been marked by conflict. Despite no current protective orders in place, the police had previously responded to non-criminal disputes between the former couple.
Pohlman’s family has described Coppola as an abusive and volatile individual. Kenneth Pohlman’s brother, Tom Pohlman, referred to Coppola as a “maniac” and expressed the family’s disbelief over the sudden and brutal loss. Pohlman, who had previously lost his wife to cancer, was remembered by his friends and family as a loving and devoted partner. His friend Geoff Boyle recalled him as a “great family man” and a valued workout buddy.
The aftermath of this tragic event leaves the community grappling with the loss and the complexities of the relationships involved. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to this heart-wrenching crime.
