A father accused of shooting to death his ex-wife and her boyfriend while his daughter sat outside in a car has been condemned as a “monster” by the family of one of the victims. Daniel Coppola, 50, faces two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his ex-wife, Kelly Coppola, 50, and her boyfriend, Kenneth “Kenny” Pohlman Jr., 53. The shooting occurred Aug. 28 at Pohlman’s home in St. James, Suffolk County, New York, where Kelly lived with his daughter and Pohlman.
According to police, Coppola drove to the home and called his daughter, instructing her to sit in his car. After hiding in the bushes, Coppola allegedly entered the residence and opened fire on Kelly and Pohlman. He then allegedly returned to the car and told his daughter, “I just shot your mother and Kenny.”
In an emotional interview with Law and crimeKenny Pohlman’s younger brother, Tom Pohlman, described Coppola as a “monster” who tore his family apart. He explained that Kenny’s children, who lost their mother to cancer 18 years ago, are now suffering another profound loss.
Tom, who spoke shortly after his brother’s funeral, expressed how difficult the past week had been for his family. “There has been a lot of anger and a lot of different feelings,” he said. However, the family made an effort to focus on Kenny’s life rather than the circumstances surrounding his death. “We paid a huge tribute to Kenny over the last three days. There was an exceptional outpouring of support. No parent should have to bury their child, and no child should have to let their parents rest in the hands of a monster.”
Tom described Kenny as a man with a “great spirit” and a “love for life.” He said his brother and Kelly had been together for a year and a half, during which time Kenny welcomed Kelly and her daughter into his family. “They died loving each other,” Tom said, noting the couple’s deep bond and the memories they shared.
The alleged killer, Daniel Coppola, is currently being held at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. Police sources revealed that Coppola tried to take his own life by throwing himself down the stairs of the jail and was hospitalized. His attorney, David Cohen, did not confirm the suicide attempt, but told the court that the case had been resolved. The New York Post“Everything about this case is tragic… My heart goes out to everyone affected by the multiple tragedies that occurred here, and I hope the families and loved ones find some peace.”
