Suffolk County Police have confirmed a tragic murder-suicide in Port Jefferson, New York, where a 68-year-old man fatally shot his 63-year-old partner inside their home before turning the gun on himself.
Discovery During Welfare Check
Officers from the Sixth Precinct responded to 135 Oakwood Road at approximately 11:07 a.m. on Monday after receiving a call to conduct a welfare check. The request was made when Valerie Kopetic, 63, failed to appear at her workplace that morning.
Grim Scene Inside the Home
Upon arrival, police discovered two residents of the home deceased from gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Valerie Kopetic and her domestic partner, Paul Trefimovich, 68.
Following a thorough investigation by Homicide Squad detectives, authorities determined that Trefimovich had murdered Kopetic before shooting himself to death. The exact circumstances and motive leading up to the fatal shooting remain unclear at this time, with police stating they have no further information to release.
Victim's Background and Career
Valerie Kopetic was employed as the Executive Director of Long Island Adolescent and Family Services Inc., a social services agency. The company confirmed her employment, noting she worked out of their offices in Stony Brook, which is located a short drive from her Port Jefferson home.
Kopetic had dedicated over two decades to her role at the organization. In addition to the Port Jefferson home valued at approximately $800,000, records indicate she also owned a property in Florida.
Police Statement and Investigation
In an official statement, the Suffolk County Police Department detailed the sequence of events: "Sixth Precinct officers responded to 135 Oakwood Road at 11:07 a.m. for a check the welfare call after Valerie Kopetic failed to appear at her job this morning. When officers arrived, they discovered two residents of the home dead from gunshot wounds. An investigation by Homicide Squad detectives determined Paul Trefimovich, 68, killed his domestic partner, Kopetic, 63, and then shot himself to death."
The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence, with authorities continuing to investigate what precipitated this tragic incident in the quiet Port Jefferson community.
