Digest

This episode of True Prime with Kendall Re delves into the tragic murder of April Kauffman, a charismatic radio host and advocate for veterans in Atlantic City, New Jersey. April's life was tragically cut short when she was found murdered in her home in 2012. The episode explores April's life, her passion for helping veterans, and her tumultuous marriage to Jim Kauffman, a man who presented himself as a successful veteran and entrepreneur. However, behind the facade of a loving couple, Jim's controlling and manipulative nature began to surface, leading to April's decision to seek a divorce. Jim, driven by greed and a desire to maintain control over his wealth, devised a plan to have April killed. He enlisted the help of Freddie Aujello, a leader in the Pagans motorcycle club, who, in turn, hired a drug addict named Frank to carry out the murder. The episode details the investigation, the arrest of Jim and Freddie, and the eventual trial of Freddie, who was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The episode highlights the tragic consequences of greed and the lengths to which some individuals will go to protect their wealth and power. It also underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and seeking help when needed.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and the case of April Kauffman's murder. Kendall Re expresses her shock at not knowing about this case and highlights the numerous requests she received to cover it. She emphasizes the importance of discussing this case due to its shocking and disturbing details.

00:01:34

April Kauffman's Life

This Chapter delves into April Kauffman's life, highlighting her challenging childhood, her determination to be a good mother to her daughter Kimberly, and her successful career as a hair stylist and caterer. The chapter emphasizes April's tenacious personality, her passion for advocating for veterans, and her role as a local celebrity in Atlantic City.

00:00:37

April's Marriage to Jim Kauffman

This Chapter explores April's relationship with Jim Kauffman, a man who initially appeared to be everything she was looking for. The chapter reveals Jim's controlling nature, his jealousy of April's success, and his lies about his military service. It also highlights the growing concerns of April's daughter, Kim, who witnessed Jim's manipulative behavior.

00:17:03

The Pagans Motorcycle Club

This Chapter introduces the Pagans motorcycle club, a group with ties to organized crime in several states, including New Jersey. The chapter explains Jim's connection to the Pagans through his pill mill operation, where he illegally prescribed painkillers to members of the club. It also highlights the club's strict code of silence and the importance of discretion in their operations.

00:22:00

The Murder Plot

This Chapter details Jim's plan to have April killed, his offer of $50,000 to Freddie Aujello, and the subsequent search for a hitman within the Pagans. The chapter highlights the reluctance of members to carry out the murder and the eventual involvement of Frank, a drug addict who was not a full member of the club.

00:23:52

April's Murder

This Chapter describes the events leading up to April's murder, including Jim's departure for work on the morning of May 10, 2012, and the discovery of her body by Billy Gonzales, a man she had hired to care for her pet birds. The chapter details the inconsistencies in Jim's account of the events and the immediate suspicion that fell upon him.

00:33:33

Kim's Pursuit of Justice

This Chapter focuses on April's daughter, Kim, who was determined to find justice for her mother. The chapter details Kim's efforts to expose Jim's involvement in the murder, her pursuit of a civil lawsuit against him, and her role in providing crucial evidence to investigators.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was April Kauffman's background and what made her a notable figure in Atlantic City?

  April Kauffman was a charismatic radio host and advocate for veterans in Atlantic City. She had a challenging childhood but overcame adversity to become a successful hair stylist and caterer. She was known for her strong personality, her passion for helping veterans, and her role as a local celebrity.

• What was Jim Kauffman's true nature and how did it contribute to April's decision to seek a divorce?

  Jim Kauffman presented himself as a successful veteran and entrepreneur, but he was actually a controlling and manipulative individual. He was jealous of April's success, lied about his military service, and controlled her finances. His controlling behavior and lies ultimately led April to seek a divorce.

• How did Jim Kauffman orchestrate April's murder and what role did the Pagans motorcycle club play?

  Jim Kauffman, driven by greed and a desire to maintain control over his wealth, hired Freddie Aujello, a leader in the Pagans motorcycle club, to kill April. The Pagans were involved in Jim's pill mill operation, providing them with illegal prescriptions for painkillers. Jim's connection to the club allowed him to solicit April's murder.

• What was the significance of Kim Kauffman's role in bringing her mother's killer to justice?

  Kim Kauffman, April's daughter, was determined to find justice for her mother. She immediately suspected Jim's involvement and provided crucial information to investigators. She pursued a civil lawsuit against Jim, which uncovered evidence and led to his arrest. Kim's tenacity and dedication played a vital role in solving the case.

• What was the outcome of Freddie Aujello's trial and what happened to Jim Kauffman?

  Freddie Aujello was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years. Jim Kauffman, while awaiting trial, died by suicide in January 2018. His death prevented him from being held accountable for his crimes.

• What was the role of Andrew Glick in the investigation and what was his motivation for cooperating with authorities?

  Andrew Glick, a member of the Pagans motorcycle club, was initially reluctant to cooperate with authorities. However, after Jim Kauffman's arrest and his own arrest on drug charges, he decided to cut a deal and provide information. He wore a wire to record conversations with Freddie Aujello, providing crucial evidence of their involvement in the murder. His motivation was likely a combination of fear of facing a lengthy prison sentence and a desire to avoid further involvement in illegal activities.

• What was the impact of April Kauffman's murder on her family and community?

  April Kauffman's murder had a devastating impact on her family, particularly her daughter, Kim, who was left to navigate the grief of losing her mother and the fight for justice. The community was also shocked and saddened by the loss of a beloved figure who was known for her kindness and dedication to helping veterans. The case brought national attention to Atlantic City and highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the lengths to which some individuals will go to protect their wealth and power.

• What lessons can be learned from April Kauffman's case?

  April Kauffman's case serves as a reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of speaking out against abuse. It also highlights the importance of seeking help when needed and the consequences of greed and manipulation. The case underscores the importance of justice and the need for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate crimes, even when they appear to be complex or difficult to solve.

• What is the significance of Kendall Re's donation to Community Hope in April Kauffman's honor?

  Kendall Re's donation to Community Hope, a non-profit organization that provides support services to homeless veterans, is a tribute to April Kauffman's dedication to helping veterans. It reflects the impact that April had on her community and the importance of continuing her legacy of supporting those who have served our country.

• What is the overall message of this episode of True Prime with Kendall Re?

  This episode of True Prime with Kendall Re highlights the tragic consequences of greed and the lengths to which some individuals will go to protect their wealth and power. It also underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and seeking help when needed. The episode serves as a reminder that justice, while sometimes delayed, can ultimately prevail.

Show Notes