The Doctor, the Hitman, and the Motorcycle Gang: The True Story of One of New Jersey's Most Notorious Murder for Hire Plots

In May of 2012, popular radio host and veterans advocate April Kauffman was shot to death in the bedroom of her home in Linwood, the affluent town just outside Atlantic City, New Jersey. Her daughter, Kim Pack, never doubted her stepfather Dr. James Kauffman was responsible somehow.

Reporter Annie McCormick met Kim Pack on the first anniversary of Kim’s mother’s murder. Over the next five years, McCormick tracked the case even as few clues emerged. She continued to gather information, sorting through gossip, rumors and facts to uncover the doctor’s web of lies. Dr. Kauffman shunned the media and his stepdaughter, moving on with his life in the very same town. Meanwhile, investigators uncovered how the doctor worked with the outlaw motorcycle gang, the Pagans, to run a prescription pill mill out of his New Jersey Office. More illegal deeds would catch the attention of The FBI and DEA. The twists and turns of Dr. Kauffman’s lies and schemes would leave Kim Pack, her tight-knit New Jersey community, and even investigators shocked.

About The Author:

Annie McCormick is an award-winning journalist based in Philadelphia, PA. Since 2012, Annie has worked as a general assignment reporter for ABC affiliate 6ABC Action News. She has extensively covered crime in the Philadelphia region for close to a decade. A New Jersey native, Annie began her career as a photojournalist during an internship in The White House. From there, she launched her career working for multiple newspapers and wire services. She can be found online at www.anniemccormick.com