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Police Seeking Public's Help In New Jersey Homicide Investigation

By Oren Liebermann

LINWOOD, N.J. (CBS) - On a suburban street in Linwood, friends say April Kauffman, 47, led the perfect life as a volunteer and advocate for veterans' causes.

I was just in disbelief," said Lee Darby, a longtime friend of Kauffman's. "I can't believe that anyone would hurt April, especially in that manner."

Authorities say Kauffman was shot to death in her Woodstock Drive home. A handyperson found Kauffman's body in her bedroom Thursday morning and called police. Kauffman had been shot several times.

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

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

"There's not one person within earshot - and I'm talking about the world wide web even - that can pick up the torch of April," said Harry Hurley, a host on WOND 1400.

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

"This is someone that's going to be sorely missed," said American Legion Post 352 Commander Bill Butler. "There's no one down here that will be able to fill her shoes."

Atlantic County prosecutors would not say if they have found the gun used in the shooting yet, and they would not say much about suspect information. But they say there is no reason for neighbors to panic.

Police say they are looking for the public's help, especially anyone who saw anything in the twelve hours before Kauffman's body was discovered.

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