Despite social media panic, police confirm Groton was not the site of a serial killer—but the tragic setting of a targeted murder committed by the victim’s own roommate.
At a Glance
- Donald Coffel, 68, arrested for murder of roommate Suzanne Wormser
- Victim’s dismembered remains found in a suitcase near a cemetery
- Police confirm no serial killer is operating in New England
- Rumors amplified by a Facebook group with 23,000 followers
- Groton officials urge public to rely on verified information
The Incident and Arrest
In a case that rocked the quiet town of Groton, Connecticut, Donald Coffel, 68, has been charged with the gruesome murder of 56-year-old Suzanne Wormser, his roommate. On March 19, Wormser’s decapitated remains were discovered in a suitcase near a local cemetery. Coffel confessed to beating her with a baseball bat during a violent argument, a claim supported by bloody evidence found in their shared home, including a saw and bloodstained clothing.
The chilling nature of the crime drew immediate national attention—but also a wave of misinformation online. Rumors of a serial killer operating across New England went viral, sparked by several unrelated body discoveries in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
Watch NBC Connecticut’s report on the case at Groton Police Dispel Serial Killer Rumors.
Fear Fueled by Facebook
A Facebook group titled “New England Serial Killer” quickly ballooned to over 23,000 members, fanning panic and conspiracies. Posts speculated about a network of killings tied to the Groton case, despite a total lack of evidence. Groton Police Chief David Burton was unequivocal: “There is no information that links our incident to anything else that took place within the state or outside in the surrounding area,” he told TurnTo10 News.
Burton emphasized that the crime was an isolated domestic dispute between people who knew each other. “This was a targeted event,” he told Fox News.
Misinformation and Official Pushback
While the internet exploded with theories, authorities pleaded for calm. A tip about Scarborough Beach turned out to be false, prompting a fruitless search that highlighted the real-world cost of internet misinformation. Connecticut State Police issued a public reminder that “there is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries, and there is also no known threat to the public,” per state police statements.
Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick addressed the growing hysteria directly. “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,” he said. “I’m here to assure you that the City of Groton is among the safest communities in the Northeast.”
Truth Over Terror
This case has underscored the dangers of online panic in the wake of tragic violence. While the murder of Suzanne Wormser remains a deeply disturbing event, it was not part of a serial crime spree. It was a domestic killing, rooted in rage, not part of a broader pattern.
As the suspect awaits trial, local officials and law enforcement are asking residents to rely on facts—not fear—as the best protection in uncertain times.
