Suzanne Wormser, 58, Remembered by Family and Friends After Tragic Murder by Roommate Donald Coffel in Groton, Connecticut
GROTON, CT — The quiet community of Groton was rocked by an unimaginable tragedy this past March, as the body of Suzanne Wormser, 58, was discovered in a remote area near a local cemetery. Suzanne, a cherished mother, friend, and longtime resident of Groton, was murdered by her roommate, Donald Coffel, 68, in a case that has left her family, friends, and neighbors in deep mourning.
What began as a grim investigation into a set of human remains has now been confirmed as a targeted domestic incident, with Coffel arrested and charged with Suzanne’s murder and the dismemberment of her body. As the family of Suzanne Wormser begins to process this heartbreaking loss, those who knew her best are reflecting on her life—one that was tragically cut short.
A Life Cut Short: Remembering Suzanne Wormser
Suzanne Wormser was a woman known for her kindness, her compassion, and her unwavering loyalty to her family and friends. Born and raised in Groton, Suzanne had spent much of her life in the tight-knit community, forging strong bonds with those around her. Her smile was known to brighten any room she entered, and her laughter was a source of joy for those fortunate enough to know her.
“She was a wonderful person,” said Margaret Lawson, a longtime friend of Suzanne. “She had a heart of gold. Suzanne always made you feel like family, even if you weren’t. We’re all just devastated that someone could do this to her.”
Suzanne’s family, particularly her two adult children, have been left in shock and grief. For them, the pain of losing their mother in such a violent and senseless way is almost too much to bear. They have requested privacy during this difficult time, asking that their grief be respected as they navigate the loss of their beloved mother.
The Discovery: A Gruesome Find
The horrific discovery of Suzanne Wormser’s remains came on the evening of March 15, 2025, when a group of local teenagers found human remains near a cemetery in Groton. The police were immediately called to the scene, and what initially appeared to be a grisly homicide soon sent ripples of fear throughout the community.
Despite initial concerns that the case might be linked to a serial killer, authorities quickly ruled out that possibility. After weeks of investigation, it was revealed that Suzanne’s remains had been dismembered, and evidence pointed to her roommate, Donald Coffel, as the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
Donald Coffel’s Arrest and the Investigation
On April 28, 2025, after a tip-off led investigators to the home of Donald Coffel, police were able to make a break in the case. Coffel, who had lived with Suzanne for several years, was arrested and charged with the murder and dismemberment of his roommate.
Neighbors of Coffel and Suzanne expressed shock at the arrest. Many described the pair as private individuals who had kept to themselves, and the news of such a violent act occurring within their shared home was incomprehensible.
“Nobody could have seen this coming. Suzanne was always a pleasant woman, and Donald… he was quiet, but nothing about him seemed out of the ordinary,” said Jim Gregory, a local shopkeeper who knew the couple. “I think that’s what makes this so hard for everyone—there was no warning. It feels like we’ve all been robbed of the chance to say goodbye.”
A Devastating Loss for Family and Community
Suzanne’s family, in particular, is struggling to understand how someone they trusted could commit such an atrocity. Her children, who had been in regular contact with their mother, are now left to reconcile with the fact that her life was taken in such a violent and incomprehensible way.
“Her kids adored her. She was everything to them,” said Margaret Lawson. “It’s just heart-wrenching. No one should have to go through what they’re going through.”
Suzanne’s children have expressed their grief through a brief statement, thanking the community for their support but also requesting privacy. “We have lost a wonderful mother and friend, and we are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. Our hearts are broken. We ask for space to grieve and heal in private.”
Coping with the Loss: The Community’s Response
The news of Suzanne’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through Groton. In a small town where everyone knows everyone, the murder of one of their own has been deeply felt. Groton, known for its peaceful suburban atmosphere, has been thrown into mourning as friends, neighbors, and local business owners reflect on the loss of a woman who embodied the heart of their community.
Local leaders have offered their condolences to the Wormser family and have promised to support them during this difficult time. The Groton Police Department, which worked tirelessly to investigate the case, is now turning its attention to ensuring that justice is served for Suzanne.
“We will continue to work to ensure that those responsible for this horrific crime are held accountable,” said Police Chief Charles Ward. “This is a tragic loss for the Wormser family and for our community as a whole. We will do everything in our power to support them through this time.”
Family, Friends, and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence
The murder of Suzanne Wormser serves as a painful reminder of the sometimes-hidden dangers of domestic violence. Though the full details of Suzanne and Coffel’s relationship remain under investigation, sources suggest that the two may have had a difficult living situation in the months leading up to the crime. Suzanne’s decision to move out and start fresh was reportedly met with resistance by Coffel, a factor that may have contributed to the violence that ultimately unfolded.
The grief surrounding Suzanne’s murder is compounded by the fact that domestic violence often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. In the wake of this tragedy, advocates for victims of domestic violence are calling for more education and resources to prevent similar crimes from occurring in the future.
“We have to do more to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support for individuals who are at risk,” said Samantha Lee, a local domestic violence advocate. “Suzanne didn’t deserve this, and no one should ever have to live in fear in their own home.”
Looking Ahead: Seeking Justice for Suzanne
As the investigation into Suzanne’s murder continues, authorities are working to gather all the evidence necessary to ensure a fair trial for Donald Coffel. While the arrest has brought some closure to the case, the Wormser family’s grief will never be fully healed. The loss of Suzanne is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly it can be taken away.
For those who loved Suzanne, the journey of healing is just beginning. In the days and weeks ahead, they will hold onto the memories of her love, kindness, and the warmth she brought to their lives. As the community of Groton continues to mourn, they are reminded of the importance of standing together and supporting one another through even the darkest times.
A Final Tribute: Remembering Suzanne
Suzanne Wormser’s family has planned a small memorial in her honor at the local church where she had attended for many years. They have invited community members to pay their respects and share their memories of Suzanne, who touched so many lives in Groton.
“Suzanne was one of the good ones,” said Margaret Lawson. “She was the kind of person who made you feel safe, loved, and valued. We’ll never forget her.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to local support organizations or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) for help and resources.
