Port Jefferson murder-suicide victim ran nonprofit for youth in Stony Brook

A Port Jefferson woman found dead in an apparent murder-suicide Monday served as the longtime executive director of a Stony Brook nonprofit for youth, officials said.

Valerie Kopetic, 63, and Paul Trefimovich, 68, were found dead of gunshot wounds at their Oakwood Road residence shortly after 11 a.m., according to a Suffolk police news release. The officers had gone to the home for a wellness check on Kopetic after she failed to arrive at her job Monday morning, the police said.

Trefimovich allegedly shot Kopetic, his domestic partner, before turning the gun on himself, according to Suffolk homicide detectives.

Kopetic worked for Long Island Adolescent and Family Services, an organization in Stony Brook that runs several youth residences, serving as its executive director for more than 15 years.

Kopetic was "the heart and soul" of the nonprofit, said Edward Taylor, the president of the board that oversees it. She handled administrative and financial matters, managed office employees and caregivers and spent her time both in the nonprofit's Stony Brook office and its youth homes. Taylor described her as "a sweet lady" who was "extremely competent ... smart, kind and completely dedicated to the organization and the children it serves."

"She was like an angel," Taylor added. "She just wanted to help these kids ... who are at risk or not able to live at home for one reason or another."

The association runs residences for youth in Stony Brook, Ridge, Port Jefferson Station and Centereach, according to its website, and serves 400 youth and families annually.

Tuesday, there were no signs of a police presence at the home where the shooting took place. An SUV was parked in the driveway of the house.

Exterior lights remained on by the front door. Garland hung from the mailbox; there was a "Let It Snow" decorative snowman sign planted into the lawn.

Police ask anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.