Daniel Coppola, a Long Island divorcee, was arraigned on second-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his ex-wife and her boyfriend in their million-dollar home in St. James. Assistant District Attorney Eric Aboulafia described the murders as an ambush and execution, revealing that Coppola kept bullets for other people he intended to kill. Coppola had written letters detailing his reasons for the murders, blaming his ex-wife for financial issues and expressing his clear rage and premeditated plan. He shot his ex-wife and her boyfriend as they slept in their home.
The shocking arraignment drew the attention of spectators, including family members of the victims who expressed their grief and anger. Pohlman’s father, Kenneth Pohlman Sr., called the killings a depriving of the couple’s second chance at life, mentioning that Kelly Coppola had finally found happiness with Kenneth Pohlman after a bitter divorce from Daniel Coppola. Family members disclosed that Coppola had been abusive and volatile towards his ex-wife, and said that Kelly was radiating with joy upon meeting Pohlman.
Coppola’s motives for the murders were revealed through letters found during a warrant search at his home. The letters indicated that he held resentment towards his ex-wife for various reasons and even had bullets with the names of attorneys involved in the case. Coppola’s clear rage and premeditated plan were evident in the letters, where he proclaimed his sound mind and intention to carry out the murders. He executed his plan by texting his daughter, then breaking into the house where he shot the couple in the hallway.
After his arrest, Coppola was placed under mental health evaluation for suicidal threats and admitted to the killings. Judge Jonathan Bloom ordered him held without bail and under suicide watch. Family members shared their devastation over the tragic loss of Kelly Coppola and Kenneth Pohlman, describing their relationship as that of soulmates who had found happiness together. Pohlman Sr. expressed sorrow over the loss of his son and said that the grandchildren had experienced a similar loss years earlier when their mother passed away.
The courtroom was filled with anguished cries from the victims’ family members during the arraignment, expressing their outrage and sadness over the heinous murders. Despite the heartbreaking loss, family members spoke of the love and joy that Kelly and Kenneth had found in each other, highlighting the tragedy of their lives being cut short. Pohlman Sr. emphasized the pain felt by both families and the overwhelming sorrow that surrounded the situation. The community mobilized in support of the grieving families and sought justice for the victims of the senseless act of violence.
