In the quiet community of Saint James, New York, a devastating series of events unfolded, culminating in the tragic death of 50-year-old Kelly Jeanne Coppola. A vibrant woman cherished by her family and friends, Kelly's life was cut short on the night of August 28, 2024, when she and her boyfriend, 53-year-old Kenneth Pohlman, were found shot to death in their home.
The grim discovery was made after a 911 call reported that Kelly's 15-year-old daughter had left the residence with her
father, Daniel Coppola, without her mother's knowledge. When officers arrived at the Brasswood Road home, they found both Kelly Coppola and Kenneth Pohlman deceased from gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly zeroed in on Kelly's ex-husband, 50-year-old Daniel Coppola, as the primary suspect. Authorities allege that Daniel Coppola drove to his ex-wife's home, forced his way inside, and fatally shot both her and Pohlman. It is believed that he then took his and Kelly's teenage daughter from the scene. A second 911 call, this time from the daughter, reported that her father was threatening suicide. Police located Daniel Coppola and took him into custody.
Investigators have pointed to a contentious divorce and financial disputes as potential motives behind the killings. The district attorney described the act as a 'premeditated ambush and execution.' Evidence reportedly found at Daniel Coppola's home included a detailed murder plot.
Daniel Coppola was arrested and has been charged with two counts of murder. He was subsequently indicted on four counts of first-degree murder. After his arrest, Coppola reportedly suffered a self-inflicted injury while on suicide watch in jail. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case is proceeding through the legal system, with a community left to mourn the loss of a beloved mother, daughter, and friend.
