Couple Found Dead in Port Jefferson Home in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Police say a 68-year-old man killed his 63-year-old domestic partner before taking his own life.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Suffolk police responded to a welfare check at a home in Port Jefferson, New York, on Monday morning after a 63-year-old woman failed to show up for work. Officers found the woman and her 68-year-old domestic partner dead from gunshot wounds in an apparent murder-suicide incident.

Why it matters

Domestic violence and murder-suicide incidents are tragic events that impact local communities. This case highlights the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic abuse and mental health issues that can lead to such outcomes.

The details

According to police, officers were called to the Oakwood Road home around 11 a.m. after Valerie Kopetic did not arrive at her job. Inside, they found Kopetic and her domestic partner, Paul Trefimovich, both dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators later determined that Trefimovich killed Kopetic and then took his own life.

  • Police were called to the home around 11 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Valerie Kopetic

A 63-year-old woman who was killed by her domestic partner.

Paul Trefimovich

A 68-year-old man who killed his domestic partner Valerie Kopetic before taking his own life.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater awareness, resources, and support systems to address domestic violence and mental health issues in local communities.