Groton Police Arrest Man, Stirring Public Speculation on Recent Disturbances

Handcuffs on an arrest warrant document — District Court Arrest Warrant court papers with handcuffs isolated on white with shallow depth of field

Connecticut police arrest a murder suspect in a grisly dismemberment case, putting to rest widespread rumors of a serial killer operating across New England.

Key Insights

Groton police arrested 68-year-old Donald Coffel for the murder of his roommate Suzanne Wormser, whose dismembered body was found in a suitcase near a cemetery.
Authorities have confirmed this was a targeted crime between individuals who knew each other, not the work of a serial killer.
Despite 11 human remains discoveries across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, police have found no evidence linking these cases.
Social media speculation has fueled public fear, with one Facebook group about the alleged serial killer gaining over 68,000 followers.
Law enforcement officials across three states are urging the public to avoid spreading misinformation that creates unnecessary panic.

Arrest Made in Gruesome Groton Murder Case

Groton police have apprehended 68-year-old Donald Coffel in connection with the murder of Suzanne Wormser, 58, whose dismembered remains were discovered in a suitcase near a cemetery on March 19. Investigators report that Coffel confessed to beating Wormser with a baseball bat during an argument over crack cocaine before dismembering her body to conceal the crime. Police found damning evidence at their shared residence, including a blood-stained bat with hair, a hand saw, and bloodied clothing. Coffel faces charges of murder, evidence tampering, and improper disposal of a dead body, and is currently being held on a $1 million bond while receiving cancer treatment.

Groton Police Chief David Burton emphasized the isolated nature of this crime, stating clearly: “Both the victim and the suspect knew each other. This was a targeted event.” Law enforcement officials are working to quell public fears that have mounted amid discoveries of human remains across the region. The murder weapon and other evidence clearly point to a domestic dispute that turned deadly, not the calculated work of a serial predator. Wormser’s remains are believed to have been left at the cemetery in mid-March, with forensic evidence directly linking Coffel to the crime scene.

Social Media Fuels Serial Killer Speculation

Despite clear statements from authorities, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for unfounded theories about a New England serial killer. A Facebook group dedicated to these speculations has amassed over 68,000 followers, with thousands joining in recent weeks as rumors intensified. The group initially operated under the name “New England Serial Killer” but later changed its title due to social media policies. These online communities have spread alarm through unverified claims and conjecture, connecting unrelated cases across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts without any factual basis.

“There is no information that links our incident to anything else that took place within the state or outside in the surrounding area,” stated David Burton.

In Narragansett, Rhode Island, authorities even conducted a search at Scarborough Beach based on an online tip suggesting bodies had been buried there. The investigation yielded no evidence, and the tip was later determined to be fictional. This incident highlights the real-world consequences of digital fear-mongering, as police resources are diverted to investigate baseless claims while public anxiety continues to mount. Law enforcement officials urge citizens to report credible information directly to police rather than spreading unverified theories online.

Officials Reassure Public Safety Amid Continued Concerns

Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick has taken a strong stance against the wave of misinformation, addressing residents’ concerns head-on. “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.” – Source

The Connecticut State Police have reinforced this message, stating definitively: “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.” Multiple agencies across three states have coordinated their response to these rumors, working diligently to separate fact from fiction. While several unrelated human remains have been discovered across the region, including those of Denise Leary found in New Haven, investigators have determined no criminal connection exists between these cases. Each situation appears to have its own unique circumstances, with no evidence pointing to a single perpetrator.

Despite these reassurances, public concern remains palpable. Local residents have expressed their unease about the situation. “It’s a little surreal, especially since it’s in the state of Rhode Island, such a small state and very condensed also,” said Adrin Hernandez, reflecting the sentiment of many in the community who continue to process these disturbing events. Law enforcement continues to encourage vigilance without paranoia, reminding citizens that factual information is the strongest defense against both crime and unwarranted fear.