A Connecticut man confesses to bludgeoning and dismembering his roommate over a drug dispute, while authorities debunk widespread claims of a New England serial killer circulating on social media.
Key Insights
- Donald Coffel, 68, has been arrested for the murder of Suzanne Wormser after her dismembered remains were found in a suitcase near a Groton cemetery.
- Despite social media speculation, police confirm there is no evidence linking this case to other human remains discoveries across New England states.
- A Facebook group fueling serial killer theories has gained over 68,000 followers despite law enforcement repeatedly dismissing these connections.
- Physical evidence recovered at the shared residence included a blood-stained baseball bat, a hand saw, and soiled clothing that supported Coffel’s confession.
Arrest Made in Groton Dismemberment Case
Groton police have arrested 68-year-old Donald Coffel for the murder of Suzanne Wormser, whose dismembered remains were discovered in a suitcase near a cemetery on March 19. Authorities report that Coffel, who was Wormser’s roommate, has been charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and improper disposal of a dead body. The suspect is currently being held on a $1 million bond while receiving treatment for cancer. Law enforcement officials believe the remains were placed at the cemetery location in mid-March, shortly after the alleged murder took place.
According to police reports, Coffel confessed to the crime, stating he beat Wormser with a baseball bat during an argument regarding crack cocaine. During their investigation, police recovered substantial evidence from the residence shared by the victim and suspect, including a baseball bat with blood and hair, a hand saw believed to be used in the dismemberment, and blood-stained clothing. Groton Police Chief David Burton emphasized that this was not a random act of violence but a targeted incident between individuals who knew each other.
Social Media Fuels Serial Killer Speculation
The discovery of Wormser’s remains has become entangled in a web of social media speculation about a possible serial killer operating across New England. A Facebook group initially titled “New England Serial Killer” has amassed over 68,000 followers, with thousands joining in recent weeks. The group has since changed its name due to social media policy concerns, but continues to promote unsubstantiated theories connecting various unrelated cases. This online fear-mongering has prompted multiple law enforcement agencies across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to issue public statements refuting these claims.
“There is no information that links our incident to anything else that took place within the state or outside in the surrounding area,” said David Burton.
In Narragansett, Rhode Island, police recently conducted a search at Scarborough Beach based on an online tip suggesting bodies were buried there. Investigators found no evidence and later determined the tip was entirely fictional. Despite this and similar outcomes in other investigations, public anxiety remains high, with social media continuing to amplify these unfounded concerns rather than verified information from official sources.
Officials Reassure Public Amid Spreading Rumors
Authorities across New England have taken coordinated steps to address the growing public concern. The Connecticut State Police issued a definitive statement addressing the situation: “There is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries, and there is also no known threat to the public at this time.” Similarly, officials investigating other human remains cases in New Haven, Springfield, Salem, and Killingly have emphasized the lack of evidence suggesting these deaths are connected or part of a larger pattern.
“During the course of the police department’s investigation, there have been many rumors and unsubstantiated fear-mongering taking place on social media, making this city and surrounding communities seem like unsafe places to live. I’m here to assure you that the City of Groton is among the safest communities in the Northeast,” stated Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick.
Law enforcement agencies are now urging citizens to exercise caution regarding information shared on social media platforms and to report credible information directly to police rather than posting online. The case of Suzanne Wormser appears to be an isolated domestic incident without connection to other investigations. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime, authorities emphasize that there is no evidence of a broader threat to public safety or a serial predator operating in the region.
Sources:
- Groton police debunk serial killer theories across New England
- CT police quash New England serial killer rumors, arrest man after woman found dismembered in suitcase
