The quiet town of Groton, Connecticut, was recently rattled by a gruesome crime that shocked even the most seasoned investigators. A dismembered torso discovered inside a suitcase at the entrance of Colonel Ledyard Cemetery triggered a homicide investigation that ultimately led police to a suspect living just blocks away from the grim discovery.
The suitcase, noticed by a curious passerby who was drawn to the suspicious item due to a foul odor, contained the torso of 58-year-old Suzanne Wormser, who had not been seen or heard from by her family in months.
Authorities quickly determined that the suitcase had been lying near the cemetery since mid-February, and with Wormser not reported missing until mid-April, the timeline presented alarming questions. The suspect, identified as 68-year-old Donald Coffel, was not an unknown figure to the victim.
In fact, the two had been roommates, sharing an apartment located not far from the cemetery. The ensuing investigation would uncover a chilling confession and a house of horrors that left the community stunned and grieving.
The Chilling Confession and Details of the Crime
After police discovered the suitcase and identified the victim, their investigation led them to the apartment Wormser shared with Donald Coffel. Inside the residence, officers were met with a disturbing scene: significant traces of blood and a baseball bat bearing human hair. These early clues pointed to a violent confrontation and suggested a prolonged concealment of the crime.
When police finally spoke with Donald Coffel, he was receiving treatment at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for complications related to cancer. Despite his medical condition, Coffel confessed to the killing in a blunt and disturbing manner. “Alright man, I did it. I hit her in the head with a fing baseball bat and it cracked her fing head open,” he reportedly told investigators.
The details that followed were just as horrifying. According to Donald Coffel’s own admission, after he killed Wormser with the bat, he kept her body inside their shared apartment for more than a week.
During this time, the body remained hidden within their living space. Eventually, he decided to dismember her, cutting her into pieces. The remains were then split into different bags. Two trash bags were discarded in a dumpster, while the torso was placed into a suitcase and left near the cemetery.
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Such brutality has been rare in Groton, and residents expressed disbelief that such a heinous act had taken place in their community. While some feared that the dismemberment indicated the possible work of a serial killer, police were quick to reassure the public.
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After reviewing evidence and analyzing the scene, authorities concluded that Coffel acted alone. There was no indication that others were involved, and they believed the crime stemmed from a personal conflict rather than a broader, serial pattern.
A Troubling Timeline and Public Reaction
What made the case even more unsettling was the timeline of events. Although the torso was found on March 19, it had likely been at the site since mid-February. Wormser, however, was not reported missing until April 17.
This gap of nearly two months raised troubling questions about how such a crime could go unnoticed for so long. A family member told police that the last known communication from Wormser had been in December, which was unusually long for someone who generally kept in contact.
When police began their welfare check based on the family’s concern, it led them to the shared apartment where they found the blood-stained scene and the murder weapon.
It also raised deeper concerns about how societal isolation, particularly for individuals living with limited family support, can sometimes contribute to delayed responses in missing persons cases. Wormser’s absence had not been immediately alarming, and this delay in action inadvertently allowed the suitcase to sit unnoticed near a cemetery for weeks.
Community members expressed a mixture of horror and sorrow. The idea that such a violent act took place so close to home was deeply disturbing. Many wondered how Coffel was able to carry out the act, dismember a body, and transport it without drawing any attention.
Police have not yet publicly commented on whether any neighbors had suspected anything strange during the period when Wormser’s body was concealed within the apartment.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Following his confession, Donald Coffel was arrested and charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and improper disposal of a body. Despite his serious health issues, he made his initial court appearance virtually from his hospital bed.
Due to the severity of the charges and the shocking nature of the crime, the judge set his bond at $1 million. Coffel is expected to appear again in court on June 10.
The charges against him reflect both the brutality of the act and his attempt to conceal the crime. By cutting up Wormser’s body and disposing of her remains in separate locations, Coffel not only tried to hide what he had done but also delayed the discovery and identification of the victim.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to the murder, including the nature of the relationship between the victim and Coffel. It remains unclear what precipitated the fatal attack. While Coffel admitted to the act, he did not provide a motive.
Investigators are still examining whether any previous disputes, mental health issues, or external stressors may have played a role. The police have emphasized that the crime appears to be isolated and there is no broader threat to the public, a statement meant to calm growing fears among local residents.
For now, Donald Coffel remains in custody as prosecutors prepare the case against him. Given his health condition, there is uncertainty about whether he will live long enough to face a full trial. Regardless of his medical state, the justice system is moving forward to ensure that the memory of Suzanne Wormser is honored and that the community receives the answers it deserves.
While Connecticut has seen its share of violent crimes, few have matched the sheer brutality and tragic nature of this case. The story of Suzanne Wormser’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the dangers some individuals face behind closed doors and the importance of community vigilance, mental health resources, and proactive outreach to vulnerable populations.