Suffolk Reporter

Daniel Coppola, 50, of St. James, has been indicted on four counts of Murder in the First Degree for allegedly fatally shooting his ex-wife Kelly Coppola, 50, and her boyfriend Kenneth Pohlman Jr., 53. The announcement was made today by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.

"The defendant allegedly drove to his ex-wife’s home and fatally shot his ex-wife and her boyfriend in cold blood," said District Attorney Tierney. "Our office takes all allegations of domestic violence seriously and we are committed to bringing justice to Kelly Coppola, Kenneth Pohlman and their loved ones. While we cannot bring Kenneth and Kelly back, we can hold this defendant responsible for his alleged actions."

According to the investigation, late on August 28, 2024, Coppola sent text messages to an uninvolved witness at a residence on Brasswood Road in St. James to allegedly draw the witness out of the home. When the witness went outside, Coppola allegedly asked where Pohlman's bedroom was located.

Shortly afterward, Coppola left the witness sitting in his 2021 Toyota Tundra vehicle while he walked up to the entrance of the home. Once there, he allegedly fired a black semi-automatic handgun at the keypad and front door before forcibly entering the residence.

Coppola then allegedly fatally shot Pohlman and Kelly Coppola in the upstairs hallway before fleeing with the uninvolved witness in his vehicle. He took the witness back to his home on Harbor Road in St. James, approximately three miles from the scene. At Coppola's home, the witness observed him take a black handgun and place it on his desk while making suicidal threats. The witness subsequently hid the handgun from Coppola and called 911.

Responding police officers arrived at Coppola's home and promptly placed him into custody for his own safety. The witness directed officers to where they had hidden the black semi-automatic handgun earlier. Further investigation led Suffolk Police to Brasswood Road address where they found visible damage to a forced-open front door and discovered both victims deceased from gunshot wounds. Evidence also indicated that when leaving hastily, Coppola left behind one of his sandals under Pohlman's body.

On September 6, 2024, Daniel Coppola was arraigned on four counts of Murder in First Degree before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft Jr.