Connecticut Woman and Friend Accused in Ex-Boyfriend's Death

It’s the kind of story that sounds like a plot ripped from a soap opera - complete with young love, heated texts, and a tragic end. But for 24-year-old Kevin Gangell of Harwinton, Connecticut, the events of July 28, 2024, were fatally real. His life was cut short in a shocking collision that police allege was no accident but a calculated act.

The Fatal Fallout of a Love Triangle

The story begins with Kevin Gangell, described in his obituary as a kind-hearted dreamer who loved the outdoors, animals, and cars. He had been in a tumultuous year-long relationship with 20-year-old Abbigale Whipple. Things went south when Gangell blocked Whipple’s number after an argument the night before his death. Whipple didn’t take the snub lightly. According to police, she sent him 1,600 messages across various platforms.

Enter Logan Diaz-Lopardo, Whipple’s 21-year-old friend. Described as someone who didn’t like Gangell, Diaz-Lopardo seemed more than willing to escalate the drama. Just before noon on July 28, 2024, Whipple and Diaz-Lopardo reportedly drove to Gangell’s home after a tense phone exchange between Gangell and Diaz-Lopardo. According to NBC Connecticut, Diaz-Lopardo allegedly taunted Gangell, saying, “Oh you mad cause I got ya girl now?” Gangell’s heated reply? “Pull up… I got something for you.”

A Deadly Drive and Cryptic Texts

According to NBC Connecticut, minutes before the pair approached the house in Diaz-Lopardo’s Audi, Whipple allegedly sent Gangell a final foreboding text saying, “I warned u.” Moments later, Diaz-Lopardo’s car struck Gangell, throwing him 70 feet and leaving him unresponsive on his front lawn. Court documents estimate the Audi was traveling between 32 and 38 mph. The Audi subsequently crashed into a retaining wall shortly after the collision, injuring Diaz-Lopardo.

Evidence suggests the crash was anything but accidental. Connecticut State Police Sgt. Luke Davis minced no words, as reported by NBC Connecticut, stating, “It became apparent very quickly that this was no accident, and it was actually an intentional act.”

Motive, Mayhem, and a Metal Pipe

The aftermath of the crash left more questions than answers. As reported by NBC Connecticut, Whipple told police, “Kevin ran from behind his garage into the road with something in his hand, and Logan hit him.” A 2-foot metal pipe was later found near Gangell’s body. Diaz-Lopardo claimed Gangell smashed his windshield with it, but investigators found no evidence to support that.

Police say phone records show Whipple allegedly texted Diaz-Lopardo messages expressing her desire to harm Gangell in the days leading up to the incident - such as “I want him hurt” - as reported by NBC Connecticut. However, she told police she never intended for him to die, even screaming at Diaz-Lopardo in the background of the 911 call, as reported by NBC Connecticut, “Logan, what the [expletive] did you do? Why did you do that?”

Crime, Punishment, and Unfinished Business

Diaz-Lopardo and Whipple now face serious charges - first-degree manslaughter for him and conspiracy to commit manslaughter for her. Their bonds are set at $500,000 each, with 24/7 house arrest awaiting them if they post bail. Both are due back in court in February 2025.

“This was more or less a planned event in causing harm to this individual,” Davis said, as reported by NBC Connecticut, “and I think it was more than they bargained for, considering that this young man actually ended up losing his life as a result of it.”

For the residents of Harwinton, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly emotions can spiral out of control - and a tragic cautionary tale about the dangers of letting love turn toxic.

References: Woman Allegedly Sent Threats to Ex Before He Was Struck, Killed by Car - and Cops Say It Was ‘No Accident’ | Torrington man, woman in court for killing of Harwinton man caught in love triangle