Connecticut Man, 68, Dismembered His 58-Year-Old Roommate and Left Her Remains in a Suitcase Near a Cemetery

Donald Coffel was charged with murdering Suzanne Wormser in Groton, according to police

A 68-year-old man from Groton, Connecticut, has been charged with murder after authorities discovered the torso of his 58-year-old roommate, Suzanne Wormser, inside a suitcase near Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. Donald Coffel was arrested on Friday and admitted to the gruesome killing during a police interview, according to his arrest warrant.

Coffel confessed to striking Wormser in the head with a baseball bat, fatally injuring her. He told investigators, “Alright man, I did it. I hit her in the head with a fing baseball bat and it cracked her fing head open.” Following the assault, Coffel kept the body in their shared apartment for more than a week before dismembering her. He placed her torso in a suitcase, which he abandoned at the entrance of the cemetery, and disposed of the remaining body parts in trash bags tossed in a dumpster.

Daniel Coffel reportedly told police he had killed his roommate and kept her body at home for more than a week

The suitcase was discovered on March 19 by a passerby who reported a suspicious odor. Investigators later confirmed the remains inside were human. It was determined that the suitcase had likely been at the site since mid-February.

Wormser was not reported missing until April 17. A relative told investigators that she had not been in contact since December, an unusual gap in communication that raised concerns. Upon searching the apartment shared by Coffel and Wormser, police found a significant amount of blood and a baseball bat with human hair attached.

Coffel was located at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for cancer-related health issues. He was later charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and improper disposal of a body. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond and appeared virtually in New London Superior Court on Monday due to his medical condition. His next court date is scheduled for June 10.

While the disturbing nature of the crime initially sparked fears of a serial killer, authorities have clarified that they believe Coffel acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

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