Nassau Woman Indicted For Killing Lover, Burning His House Down

A Long Beach woman was indicted today for murdering a Center Island man last November and then burning his house down in an attempt to cover up the crime.

Jennifer Gross, 54, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, third-degree arson and aggravated criminal contempt. She is due back in court on Dec. 18. If convicted, she could face life in prison.

“This defendant is accused of violently killing her romantic partner and then setting his house on fire to conceal this heinous crime,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “Our condolences remain with the Coppola family and friends as they continue to mourn his death.”

According to Singas, Gross went to the home of 75-year-old James Coppola between 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2018 to ask him for money. Coppola refused, and Singas said that Gross then attacked him with a cooking appliance, beating him to death with it. Gross then set the house on fire to cover up the crime, Singas said.

Before setting the fire, Singas said that Gross stole jewelry from Coppola's home. Gross and Coppola had a romantic relationship for about 20 years, Singas said.