Arrest Made in Homicide of New England Woman, Dismissing ‘Serial Killer’ Rumors

**Arrest Made in Homicide of New England Woman, Dismissing ‘Serial Killer’ Rumours**

A Connecticut man has been taken into custody in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was found in a suitcase near a cemetery in Groton. Authorities are refuting speculations of a serial killer being involved in the case. The City of Groton Police Chief, David Burton, revealed on Friday, April 25, that Donald Coffel, a 68-year-old resident of Groton, was arrested earlier that day for the death of Suzanne Wormser, aged 58. Coffel faces charges including murder, tampering with physical evidence, and improper disposal of a body.

The arrest came following a six-week investigation into the gruesome discovery which sparked fears of a serial killer operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The remains of Wormser were discovered in a suitcase on March 19, 2025, close to the Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. Chief Burton mentioned that there is a possibility Wormser was killed at the cemetery. Authorities conducted interviews with residents in the vicinity and collaborated with other police departments to ascertain if the incident was linked to any other cases in the region.

Further probing unveiled that Coffel and Wormser resided together on Allen Street in Groton. Investigators, donned in hazmat suits, were observed converging on the property for a thorough search. On April 16, a concerned individual provided vital information that directed the investigation to Allen Street. The house was subsequently searched, leading to the preliminary identification of a suspect who was then interrogated as a person of interest.

During a press conference, Groton’s Mayor, Keith Hedrick, addressed the rampant social media rumours circulating fear and misinformation about the safety of the city and surrounding areas. He reassured the public that Groton remains one of the safest communities in the Northeast. With the initial testing completed on April 18, the two crime scenes were linked, and Coffel was reinterviewed on April 22. Subsequently, another individual came forward with crucial details about the alleged murder, prompting Coffel’s third interview on April 23 where he reportedly confessed to the crime. However, the authorities did not disclose the motive behind the brutal act.

Donald Coffel is currently held on a $1 million bond as the investigation continues. It remains undisclosed whether he has legal representation. The police are pursuing all leads and ensuring a thorough examination of the case. The arrest of Coffel has debunked the swirling speculations of a serial killer lurking in the New England area. The community and law enforcement are working together to seek justice for the victim, Suzanne Wormser, and bring closure to her loved ones.

The relentless efforts of the City of Groton Police have shed light on this heinous crime, bringing a sense of relief to the local residents and dispelling the unfounded fears of a serial killer on the loose. The collaborative approach between the authorities and the community has been instrumental in swiftly addressing this tragic incident. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind Wormser’s untimely demise and ensuring that justice is served for all those affected by this harrowing event.