Man charged in April Kauffman's slaying headed to trial

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP) - A man charged in the death of a radio host who authorities say was killed to keep her from exposing a drug distribution ring her doctor husband was running with an outlaw biker gang has rejected a plea deal.

A judge said Thursday that jury selection for Ferdinand Auguello's trial will start Sept. 11. Auguello has pleaded not guilty to murder and other counts and faces a life sentence if convicted.

Atlantic County prosecutors say Augello and James Kauffman plotted to kill April Kauffman, who was fatally shot inside the couple's Linwood home in May 2012.

Auguello is also charged with trying to have James Kauffman killed behind bars to prevent him from coming to trial. James Kauffman was found dead in his cell in January in an apparent suicide.