Podcast Summary: 20/20 - True Crime Vault: Family Secrets
Introduction
In the February 19, 2025 episode of 20/20 True Crime Vault titled "Family Secrets," ABC News delves into the mysterious and tragic murder of April Kaufman, a beloved South Jersey radio host, and the ensuing investigation that unearthed dark family dynamics and criminal underworld connections. Hosted by David Muir and featuring in-depth interviews with key individuals, the episode unravels a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and relentless pursuit of justice by April's stepdaughter, Kim Pak.
Background: April Kaufman and Her Life
April Kaufman was a vibrant and influential radio host on WIBG FM in Lynwood, New Jersey, known for her provocative and passionate advocacy for veterans. Her husband, Dr. Jim Kaufman, was a prominent endocrinologist and a respected figure in the community. Together, they were considered a power couple, actively involved in various business ventures and charitable activities.
Kim Pak, April's stepdaughter, grew up witnessing the seemingly perfect yet ultimately strained relationship between her mother and stepfather. April's charisma and dedication to the community masked deep-seated familial tensions, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Jim Kaufman.
The Day of the Murder
On Thursday, May 10, 2012, April Kaufman's life was brutally cut short. Her husband, Dr. Jim Kaufman, attempted to contact her multiple times without success. Concerned, he sent their handyman to check on April, only to discover her lifeless body in the bedroom.
- Detective James Scopa ([04:16] 04:16): "She was found laying right here, face down."
As news of April's murder spread, the community was thrown into chaos. Kim Pak, devastated by her mother's death, became determined to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
Investigation Begins: Unraveling Family Secrets
The initial investigation by Lynwood Police revealed that April Kaufman was shot multiple times, leading authorities to consider the murder a potential homicide. Kim Pak, grappling with grief, began her own quest for answers, suspecting foul play in her mother's death.
- Kim Pak ([05:25] 05:25): "Matt's shot my mom."
Friends and family described April as a loving and dynamic individual who overcame a troubled childhood to become a pillar of the community. However, behind the scenes, April's marriage to Jim Kaufman was fraught with tension and control issues.
- Kim Pak ([12:35] 12:35): "They had a very unhealthy relationship... indiscretions on both sides."
Legal Maneuvers: The Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Believing that her stepfather was responsible for her mother's murder, Kim Pak filed a wrongful death lawsuit to prevent Jim Kaufman from accessing April's $600,000 life insurance policy.
- Kim Pak ([18:33] 18:33): "I have no choice to respond and to begin to fight for what I know is right."
Breakthrough in the Case: Revelations and Deceptions
As the legal battle intensified, investigators uncovered shocking truths about Dr. Jim Kaufman. During a four-and-a-half-hour deposition, Jim confessed that he had fabricated his military record, falsely claiming to be a decorated Green Beret. This revelation cast serious doubt on his credibility and motives.
- Dr. Jim Kaufman ([24:28] 24:28): "No."
- Damon Tyner ([24:12] 24:12): "Do you have tissues, by the way?"
Further investigation revealed Jim's clandestine activities with the Pagan motorcycle gang, involved in an opioid distribution scheme. It emerged that April had discovered Jim's illegal operations, prompting him to orchestrate her murder to protect his secret life.
- Detective James Scopa ([32:10] 32:10): "They were flooding the market with opioids and selling them at a marked-up price."
Standoff and Jim Kaufman's Death
In a dramatic turn of events, Jim Kaufman became the target of a police search warrant for unrelated insurance fraud charges. Instead of surrendering peacefully, he engaged in a 45-minute standoff, brandishing a firearm and threatening suicide.
- Dr. Jim Kaufman ([26:28] 26:28): "I'm not going to jail for this."
The standoff ended with Kaufman being taken into custody. However, before he could stand trial for April's murder, Jim tragically took his own life in custody, leaving many questions unanswered and denying closure for Kim Pak.
- Detective James Scopa ([35:54] 35:54): "He realized it had all caught up with him."
Conclusion: Lingering Questions and Unresolved Pain
Despite the legal actions and uncovering of critical evidence, the murder of April Kaufman remains tinged with unresolved emotions and unanswered questions. Kim Pak continues to seek justice and closure, haunted by the loss of her mother and the brutality of her stepfather's actions.
- Kim Pak ([39:39] 39:39): "I still don't have the answer to that. For what?"
The episode concludes with reflections on the devastating impact of April's murder on her family and community, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the elusive nature of justice in the face of betrayal and crime.
Notable Quotes
- Kim Pak ([05:25] 05:25): "I pushed his hands away and I go, where's my mom? What is happening here? I need to see my mother."
- Dr. Jim Kaufman ([24:28] 24:28): "No."
- Damon Tyner ([24:12] 24:12): "Do you have tissues, by the way?"
- Detective James Scopa ([32:10] 32:10): "They were flooding the market with opioids and selling them at a marked-up price."
- Kim Pak ([39:16] 39:16): "I was blessed and granted the ability to have peace in my life for the first time in six years by a man with determination and that believed in my story, and that is Damon Tyner."
Final Thoughts
"Family Secrets" offers a gripping exploration of the Kaufman family's tragedy, showcasing the relentless pursuit of truth by a grieving daughter and the uncovering of deeply buried secrets. Through compelling storytelling and insightful interviews, 20/20 provides listeners with a thorough understanding of the case, emphasizing the profound personal and societal ramifications of unresolved crimes.