James Kauffman had struck a deal with Pagan biker Ferdinand Augello to hand out oxycontin prescriptions to “patients” sent by Augello. The pair would receive cash, some of the profits if the pills were sold, or the drugs themselves (via NJ.com). Meanwhile, April Kauffman had been asking for a divorce, which James would not allow for fears of losing half of his “empire.” When April threatened to divulge the secret drug ring, James ordered Augello to have her killed. 

The drug ring continued for five years after April’s murder, and although the Pagans were immediately suspected, the oxycontin smuggling had yet to be uncovered. The hitman died of an overdose a year later. It was only when police issued a warrant for a weapons charge against Kauffman that the truth about the motive behind his wife’s murder was uncovered. Kauffman was transported to a different prison when it became apparent that Augello was attempting to have him killed behind bars, but the former doctor hung himself in his cell. Augello was later arrested and convicted earlier this year, ending a saga of bikers, betrayal, and murder.

The story is explored in the documentary “Doctor’s Orders,” streaming on Discovery+.