Madison woman suffered multiple trauma

Madison, Conn. (WTNH) - A woman found dead in front of a Madison home died from multiple blunt and sharp trauma injuries, the state medical examiners's office reported Thursday.

The medical examiner declared Barbara Beach Hamburg's death a homicide.

Police cars still blocked access to Middle Beach Road West, more than a day after the body was discovered, as detectives searched for clues and possible evidence in the case.

It's unclear what might be a motive for the killing, but we know Hamburg's 61 year old ex-husband Jefrey has spoken at least once with police. The couple divorced in 2005, followed by years of legal wrangling over child support for their son and daughter.

The two had a court date for Wednesday. A lawyer for Jefrey Hamburg said his client showed up and was at court about the time police say Barbara Hamburg's body was found.

News Channel 8 also uncovered that Jefrey Hamburg had filed for bankruptcy in 2009. He owed more than a half million dollars, including $36,000 in back child support. He also had control over his children's trust funds.

Attorney Hugh Keefe said Jefrey Hamburg "has been involved in lengthy divorce  and post  divorce matrimonial litigation involving support, involving alimony, the kids, for years, and the police when they have a situation like this automatically look at the spouse or ex-spouse."

Madison Police Chief John Drumm won't say if they plan to question Jefrey Hamburg further. He had no comment when asked if the killing was random.

Keefe said he will decide next week if he will let his client talk to police. He said Hamburg is not a flight risk.

Barbara's 18-year-old son is a student at Daniel Hand High School. He posted a message on Facebook saying this is the time to be strong. Some of his mother's friends are also on Facebook and posting messages of sympathy for the children.

This was the first homicide in Madison in more than a decade, when a man beat his nanny to death with a ball peen hammer in 1999.

This crime is the latest talk of the town, and a big topic on a Madison blog. "We haven't ever covered anything like this," said Chris Kilbourne, who covers Madison through his website InsideMadison.com . "Obviously it's a shock to everybody in Madison. I think that's makes this such big news is that this is happening in Madison."  [Story]

Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time to give them a call at 203-245-2721. Tips can also be e-mailed to crimetips@madisonct.org