SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (SCDAO / News Release) – In a shocking case of violence and robbery, Albert Coppedge, a 49-year-old man from Coram, has been indicted on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree. He is accused of brutally beating his landlord, Kenneth Mitchell, 62, to death with a dumbbell and stealing money from his wallet. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the charges and expressed his determination to seek justice for the victim.
Describing the alleged actions of the defendant, District Attorney Tierney said, “The alleged actions of this defendant were vicious, brutal, and senseless. We will do everything in our power to seek justice for Kenneth Mitchell.” The details of the crime emerged from a police investigation that revealed the events leading up to the murder.
On December 6, 2020, witnesses reported seeing Coppedge and Mitchell engaged in a heated argument in the backyard of their residence in Coram. Shortly after the altercation, Coppedge was seen wielding a dumbbell and repeatedly striking Mitchell in the head, despite his pleas for mercy. After the assault, Coppedge allegedly stole Mitchell’s wallet and removed a significant amount of cash from it before fleeing the scene. Mitchell was rushed to Long Island Community Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
Hours after the attack, Coppedge returned to the crime scene and encountered law enforcement, leading to his arrest. The authorities wasted no time in ensuring that the suspect faced justice for his alleged crimes.
On July 10, 2023, Coppedge appeared before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski, who arraigned him on the indictment. He now faces two counts of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, all of which are classified as violent felonies. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the alleged offenses committed by Coppedge.
This tragic incident has shocked the community and elicited a strong response from law enforcement officials. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the police, is committed to bringing justice to Kenneth Mitchell and his grieving loved ones.
Cases like these serve as a reminder of the brutal reality faced by many victims of violence and their families. The loss of a loved one under such circumstances is devastating, and the pursuit of justice becomes crucial to providing a sense of closure and accountability.
The trial process will undoubtedly be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved, as they confront the gruesome details of the crime and seek to ensure that justice is served. The community will be closely following the proceedings, hoping for a fair and just resolution.
In light of this horrific incident, it is important for landlords and tenants to prioritize safety measures and be vigilant in their interactions. Open lines of communication, prompt reporting of any concerns, and awareness of potential warning signs can help prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.
As the legal process unfolds, the community hopes for a thorough investigation and a fair trial that will hold Albert Coppedge accountable for his alleged actions. The memory of Kenneth Mitchell deserves to be honored, and his family deserves nothing less than justice.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will work tirelessly to ensure that the truth is revealed and that justice is served.