The scorned divorcé accused of gunning down his ex-wife and her boyfriend last week tried to take his own life Monday at a Long Island jail, sources said.
Daniel Coppola, 50, was badly hurt when he threw himself down a flight of stairs inside the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in a suicide attempt, according to law enforcement sources.
The alleged killer is facing second-degree murder charges in the fatal shooting of his former wife Kelly Coppola, 50, and her 53-year-old beau Kenneth Pohlman at the couple’s $1.1 million St. James home.
A Suffolk sheriff’s spokesperson confirmed to The Post an inmate was injured during a “self-inflicted incident,” but did not reveal their identity.
“Correction Officers responded quickly and appropriately to get him the medical treatment he needed. He was transported to a local hospital,” spokesperson Vicki DiStefano said.
“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is unable to comment further on any incarcerated individual’s medical conditions or status.”
Coppola’s lawyer David Cohen would not confirm his client’s suicide attempt, but said “everything about this case is tragic” in a statement to The Post.
“My heart goes out to all those affected by the multiple tragedies here and may the families and loved ones of all those involved find some peace,” said Cohen.
Newsday, citing multiple sources, first reported the suicide attempt.
Coppola allegedly ambushed and executed his ex-wife and Pohlman with a semi-automatic gun Wednesday night, confronting them in a hallway of their home before opening fire, the Suffolk district attorney’s office said.
Following his arrest at his home, also in St. James, he was placed under a mental health evaluation for making suicidal threats.
A spokesperson for the DA’s office said Coppola’s case was on the schedule for court on Tuesday, but he didn’t show. The spokesperson noted the conference was routine and he wasn’t expected to appear.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
