BY STACI WILSON

The preliminary hearing for a man accused of gunning down his ex-girlfriend Oct. 17 in Susquehanna has been continued.

Jonathan Kopacz, 34, Thompson, faces criminal homicide charges in the shooting death of Kelly Conklin outside her Washington Street home.

The preliminary hearing – Kopacz’s first appearance in court since his Oct. 17 arrest – was continued until Jan. 19, 2015. He was initially scheduled to appear in New Milford District Court on Monday, Dec. 15.

Kopacz is being held, without bail, in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility.

According to the affidavit filed in district court, Kopacz provided a full confession to the murder to police. Telling law enforcement authorities he planned the homicide for months and purchased two 9 mm handguns specifically to kill Conklin.

Kopacz told police he had seen Conklin’s vehicle parked at a local bar earlier in the evening; he parked his vehicle and waited for her to exit the establishment before following her to her home.

According to investigators, Kopacz shot Conklin several times with both weapons as she exited her vehicle.
She was pronounced dead at the scene by Susquehanna County Coroner Anthony Conarton.

Kopacz was apprehended at his apartment after a neighbor reported she believed he was involved in the shooting and that he had threatened to kill himself. According to police, Kopacz had also pointed a gun at one woman at his Thompson residence.

In addition to one count of criminal homicide, Kopacz was also charged with terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

Kopacz is being represented by Attorney George Lepley Jr.