Doctor Who Allegedly Put a Hit on His Wife Is Found Dead

New Jersey's James Kauffman committed suicide in prison, say authorities
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 27, 2018 6:59 AM CST
Doctor Accused of Ordering Wife's Murder Kills Himself
In a June 14, 2017, file photo, James Kauffman appears in court at Atlantic County Courthouse in Mays Landing, N.J.   (Edward Lea/The Press of Atlantic City via AP, Pool, file)

A New Jersey doctor accused of arranging his wife's murder has committed suicide in prison, reports People. James Kauffman, a 68-year-old endocrinologist, allegedly helped set up the 2012 murder of his 47-year-old wife, April Kauffman, inside their home. The motive? Prosecutors say their marriage had gone south, and April Kauffman was threatening to expose the prescription drug ring her husband was operating with a local motorcycle gang out of his Atlantic City office. April Kauffman had been a popular local radio personality.

Authorities at the Hudson County jail have not provided details on Kauffman's death, except to say that he was found in his cell Friday morning by jail staff. NJ.com reports that Kauffman tied something around his neck to asphyxiate himself and laid down on his bunk so that it appeared as if he were sleeping. Kauffman, who had recently been moved to the jail because of threats against his life, also left a lengthy suicide note, the site reports. The gunman who allegedly killed April Kauffman died of a drug overdose in 2013. A member of the motorcycle gang still faces murder charges in her death. (More New Jersey stories.)

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