A highly-criticized divorcee accused of shooting his ex-wife and her lover last week attempted suicide in a Long Island jail on Monday, officials said.
Police said Daniel Coppola, 50, attempted suicide and jumped down a flight of stairs at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, leaving him seriously injured.
The suspect is facing second-degree murder charges for shooting and killing his ex-wife, Kelly Coppola, 50, and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman, 53, at their $1.1 million home in St. James.
A spokesperson for the Suffolk Sheriff's Office confirmed to The Washington Post that the inmate suffered a “self-inflicted” injury but did not identify him.
“Corrections officers responded quickly and appropriately, providing the necessary medical attention and he was transported to a local hospital,” spokeswoman Vicki DiStefano said.
“The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office cannot comment further on the medical status or circumstances of incarcerated individuals.”
Coppola's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Newsday cited multiple sources: First reported Attempted suicide.
According to the Suffolk District Attorney's Office, Coppola is accused of ambushing his ex-wife and Pohlman in the hallway of their home Wednesday night, killing them with a semi-automatic rifle and then opening fire.
Following his arrest, also at his home in St James, he underwent a psychiatric evaluation after threatening to commit suicide.
A spokesman for the district attorney's office said Coppola's case had been scheduled for trial on Tuesday, but the defendant did not show up. The spokesman said the meeting was routine and that the defendant was not scheduled to appear in court.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or Suicide Prevention Lifeline.org.
