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Linwood, N.J. Police Probe Slaying Of Ex-Radio Show Host April Kauffman

LINWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police are calling it a murder at the Jersey Shore.

On Friday, police outside Atlantic City were looking for the killer of a popular radio host, who was found shot to death in her bedroom, CBS 2 Oren Lieberman reported.

On a suburban street in Linwood friends said 47-year-old April Kauffman led the perfect life as a volunteer and advocate for veterans' causes.

"I was just in disbelief," best friend Lee Darby said. "I can't believe that anyone could hurt April, especially in that manner."

Just a few days before her death, Kauffman received a governor's award for outstanding community service. Authorities said Kauffman was shot to death in her Woodstock Drive home. A handyman found Kauffman's body in her bedroom Thursday morning and called police. Kauffman had been shot several times, police said.

"I think we're all pretty much shocked that something like this could happen right down the street," neighbor Mark Spatz said.

Kauffman used to guest host a radio show at WOND 1400. Her former co-host spent Friday talking about her work and her passion for vets.

"There's not one person within ear shot -- and I'm talking about the World Wide Web even -- that can pick up the torch of April," Harry Hurley said.

Kauffman's husband is an endocrinologist. A sign on the door to his practice said the office was closed for a family emergency.

American Legion commander Bill Butler said he had worked with Kauffman on veterans' issues.

"This is someone that's going to be sorely missed. There's no one down here that will be able to fill her shoes," Butler said.

Prosecutors wouldn't say if they've found the gun used in the shooting yet, and wouldn't say much about suspect information. They did say, however, there is no reason for neighbors to panic.

"[This is a] major crime and we're working on it to bring it to a quick close," Linwood Police Chief Robert James said.

Kauffman will also be remembered for hosting an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the recruits at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.

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