Connecticut man admits to murdering roommate and disposing of dismembered body in a suitcase at a cemetery.

In Groton, Connecticut, a significant criminal case unfolded on Monday as Donald Coffel, 68, faced a judge in response to alarming allegations regarding the murder of his roommate, Suzanne Wormser, 58. Coffel was arrested on Friday and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and improper disposal of a body after police discovered dismembered remains concealed within a suitcase, left in proximity to Colonel Ledyard Cemetery.

During a virtual court appearance, Coffel, citing health issues, recounted troubling details of the incident. According to court documents, he allegedly bludgeoned Wormser with a baseball bat, subsequently keeping her body in their shared apartment for approximately 10 days before dismembering her. Reports indicate that Coffel disposed of her remains by placing them into garbage bags and hauling them away in a rolling suitcase to a location approximately 800 feet from their residence. The gruesome discovery was made by a local resident on March 19, who found the suitcase and reported the incident to authorities.

In the wake of the discovery, local law enforcement appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the victim, which ultimately led to tips from family members expressing concern for Wormser’s whereabouts. Reports indicated that Wormser, a widow, had become increasingly absent from the community, particularly after allowing Coffel to live with her following his return from out of state.

As investigators delved deeper into the case, they uncovered that Wormser suffered from Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal condition that could have aided in her identification. A witness also disclosed that Coffel had previously voiced intentions to kill Wormser, accusing her of stealing 0 worth of crack cocaine from him. Subsequently, he informed the same individual that she was “gone.”

Police investigations further revealed crucial evidence within the apartment, including a baseball bat, a handsaw, blood, and various items belonging to Wormser, such as her purse and identification cards, all found within trash bags. Despite initial public anxiety suggesting a potential serial killer at large, police later reassured the community that Coffel acted independently, presenting no ongoing threat.

Currently, Coffel remains in custody, held on a bond set at million as proceedings continue. The disturbing nature of this crime has sent shockwaves through the Groton community and raised serious concerns about safety and justice for victims of violence.