Husband Accused In NJ Radio Host's Murder Commits Suicide

A New Jersey doctor accused of murdering his wife, a former radio show host, was found dead in his cell of an apparent suicide Friday morning, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

"James Kauffman had been housed in Hudson County Jail as a result of credible threats to his life," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office can confirm that we were notified by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office that James Kauffman died in an apparent suicide on Friday morning, January 26, 2018. The investigation is continuing and we will have no further comment at this time."

Staff at the correctional facility in Kearny found Kauffman in his cell at about 9:20 a.m., according to Hudson County spokesperson James Kennelly. Details of the apparent suicide have not been released.

Kauffman, 68, of Linwood and seven other people were charged in connection with the murder of Kauffman's wife April, 47, at the family's home. They also faced conspiracy and racketeering charges.

Kauffman faced weapons and obstruction charges after he was arrested in a gun standoff last summer. An endocrinologist who has remarried, Kauffman has since lost his license to practice medicine.

Read more here: Husband of Slain NJ Radio Host Charged in Her 2012 Murder

April Kauffman hosted weekly talk shows and advocated for military veterans while being honored as a local businesswoman in the Lindwood area. She received a governor's award for "outstanding community service" just days before she was shot.

Also charged were:

• Ferdinand Augello, 61, Petersburg
• Joseph Mulholland, 52, Villas
• Beverly Augello, 47, Summerland Keys, Fla.
• Glenn Seeler, 37, Sanford, N.C.
• Paul Pagano, 61, Egg Harbor Township
• Tabitha Chapman, 35, Absecon
• Cheryl Pizza, 36, Murrells Inlet, SC

Kauffman and Augello are both charged with murder as well as racketeering that's related to the illegal distribution of narcotics through Kauffman's former medical practice. Additionally, Augello is charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office photo