The widower of a local radio host killed five years ago will stay jailed at least until Monday.
Dr. James Kauffman was arrested Tuesday morning after he allegedly brandished a gun at law enforcement officers serving a search warrant at his Egg Harbor Township office. He currently faces weapons charges, although the prosecutor said the investigation is ongoing.
At Kauffman's first appearance Wednesday, defense attorney Ed Jacobs unsuccessfully argued to either have his client released or move up the hearing set for 9 a.m. Monday.
Many had believed Kauffman would be arrested in the killing of his wife — local radio host and veterans advocate April Kauffman — who was found dead inside their Linwood home May 10, 2012.
But warrants to search his car, his endocrinologist office off Ocean Heights Avenue and the home the couple shared are unrelated to that investigation, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner has said.
Instead, it's part of a far-reaching investigation that the office is not commenting on.
April Kauffman was found fatally shot inside her bedroom May 10, 2012, after her husband said he was unable to reach her and sent someone to check on her. Five years later, no one has ever been charged.
Dr. Kauffman has been "overwrought" that the investigation has never looked beyond him, Jacobs said, insisting his client is innocent.
There have been 10 searches in the past five years, Jacobs said. Five of them were Tuesday.
"I think they're looking for a way to justify a five-year fruitless investigation," Jacobs said.
He has not seen any copies of either the warrants or the affidavits filed to justify them.
Last month, Tyner filed a motion to compel a DNA sample from Kauffman to compare to blood that was mixed with his wife's at the crime scene.
The decision in that case was sealed by DeLury, who will also preside over Monday's detention hearing.
Kauffman appeared in person Wednesday. Since bail reform took effect, first appearances have usually be via video from jail. Jacobs appeared in court without his client to fight the DNA motion last month.
In that case, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy represented the case. First Assistant Prosecutor Cary Shill is prosecuting the weapons case.
Before the hearing, Jacobs said it was unclear whether his client broke any laws.
The doctor legally owns the 9mm Ruger he is accused of brandishing during a 45-minute standoff.
In New Jersey, a legal gun owner can have their weapon at their home or place of business, Jacobs said.
Also, the charges say he "brandished" the weapon, not that he threatened anyone.
"If he brandished it, he brandished it at himself," Jacobs told BreakingAC. "He's distraught."
