A Connecticut man has been arrested after a woman’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase near a cemetery — a discovery that had locals fearing a serial killer was on the loose.
Donald Coffel, 68, of Groton, was taken into custody on April 25 and charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and improper disposal of a body in connection with the death of 58-year-old Suzanne Wormser, also of Groton.
The arrest followed a six-week investigation that kicked off after Wormser’s remains were found outside Colonel Ledyard Cemetery on March 19. The gruesome find, along with the bodies of other women discovered recently in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, sent social media into a frenzy with wild serial killer theories.
At a press conference, Groton Police Chief David Burton confirmed that the relationship between Coffel and Wormser ruled out the idea of a random killer targeting women in the region. Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick also addressed the panic, saying, “There have been many rumors and unsubstantiated fear-mongering… I’m here to assure you that the City of Groton is among the safest communities in the Northeast.”
Investigators revealed that Coffel and Wormser had been living together at a house on Allen Street. Hazmat-suited police teams descended on the property after a tip from a concerned citizen led them there on April 16.
Police said early testing connected the crime scene at the house to the site where Wormser’s body was found. Coffel was first interviewed as a person of interest on April 18. After additional witness information came in, he was brought in again on April 22 and finally on April 23, when authorities said he confessed to the murder.
Authorities have not released a motive for the killing. Coffel is currently being held on a $1 million bond. It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation.
The investigation remains active.