Authorities say Coppola was waiting for cops to put him in cuffs after the shocking shootings on Wednesday. He was arrested after the brutal double murder, which left 46-year-old John Wernick and Olga Montana, 30, dead. Both were found with multiple gunshot wounds when cops entered their home on Rustic Road in Coram around 10:30 a.m. that day.
Coppola was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. Friday at a home on Clubhouse Court in Rocky Point, police said. He was held at the 6th precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned on two counts of second-degree murder Saturday morning in Central Islip.
Residents on the block were jolted awake to the sound of gunfire shaking their peaceful street. One neighbor told The Post that Wernick had repeatedly expressed fear for his safety.
“He was always afraid that his safety was on the line. Not for just himself but for his wife-to-be, because of the ex-husband,” said Rick Salierno, 76. “This woman and her boyfriend got slain, double homicide, in broad daylight,” he continued. “It says heartbreaking. Can you imagine the terror that was going on in that house? I can’t imagine.”
Investigators have not revealed a motive for the violent crime, but told media outlets that a pistol was found at the scene. Coppola, who has four kids, was reportedly going through a divorce from Montana at the time he allegedly killed the couple. Prosecutors said more details could be disclosed at his arraignment.
Coppola, who has a past arrest history, is due before a judge for his alleged role in the brutal double murder. The family of the victims expressed their devastation over the loss, with one family member commenting, “Our hearts are broken and we will never understand this.” As the investigation continues, the community is left shocked and grieving over the senseless violence that occurred in their normally quiet neighborhood.
