Police: Kopacz planned murder

BY STACI WILSON

A Susquehanna County man told police he had planned to kill Kelly Conklin, age 22, for months over a relationship between the two that had soured. Police said the accused provided a full confession of the murder.

According to an affidavit filed in New Milford District Court Friday afternoon, Jonathan Kopacz, 34, of 413 Jackson St., Thompson, followed Conklin to her Washington St., Susquehanna Borough home in the early morning hours of Oct. 17. Holding two 9 mm handguns, Kopacz shot her several times with both weapons as she opened the door of her vehicle.

In his statement to police, Kopacz told investigators he had purchased the two firearms specifically to kill the victim. According to the affidavit, he had seen Conklin’s vehicle parked at a local bar earlier that night, parked his vehicle and waited for her to exit before following her to her home.

At the scene, police found nine expended 9-mm casings on the roadway around the victim. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Susquehanna County Coroner Anthony Conarton. A preliminary examination of Conklin’s body revealed she had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the affidavit, the victim’s father, William Conklin, said he had heard the volley of gunfire outside his residence. He told police he saw a man get into a small, grey SUV parked in his neighbor’s yard and drive away, running a stop sign. Mr. Conklin also said he heard his neighbor call his daughter’s name. He went outside and saw his daughter slumped over in the driver’s seat of her vehicle. 911 dispatchers instructed him to attempt CPR, according to the affidavit. The victim did not respond to any life-saving measures.

A report came in after 7 a.m. from a Thompson area female who said believed her neighbor was involved in the shooting and was trying to kill himself. According to the affidavit, Kopacz had pointed the gun at one woman who was trying to stop him from killing himself.

When police arrived, the landlord and two others were at the door of Kopacz’s apartment. According to the affidavit, landlord Rachael O’Dell said Kopacz had two pistols in his possession and was threatening to kill himself.

Tpr. Greg Deck spoke with Kopacz on the telephone, and then through a door. State troopers then apprehended Kopacz without incident. A Glock Model 19 pistol and a Smith & Wesson pistol – both 9 mm – were located in the apartment.

According to the affidavit, a relationship between the victim and Kopacz had ended in May.
In addition to one count of criminal homicide, Kopacz was also charged with terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Jodi Cordner Friday afternoon. He is being held without bail in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27 in New Milford District Court.