The Office of the Chief State's Medical Examiner late this afternoon said Madison resident Barbara Hamburg died from "blunt force trauma and sharp force injury." The death has been ruled a homicide. Madison and state police say they are following active leads and information in the case. A recent statement from the family was released saying, "The siblings and family members of the recently murdered Barbara Hamburg want to express their appreciation to the local and state police for their professionalism in investigating this terrible family tragedy."

Hamburg, 48, the divorced mother of two, was found Wednesday morning in the yard of the home she was renting at 44 Middle Beach Road West.

Wednesday at approximately 11:25 a.m., Madison police received a 911 call reporting an injured person at the home. Hamburg's body was found outside the house. She pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Madison police did not release her name until this afternoon, pending notification of next of kin.

Hamburg has two children, a son who is a graduate of Daniel Hand High School, and a daughter who is a sophomore at the school. Superintendent of Schools David Klein said, "Our school community is saddened that this tragedy has touched a family of one of our students. The school administration and staff are supporting the students and each other during this very difficult time."

A recent statement from the family was released saying, "The siblings and family members of the recently murdered Barbara Hamburg want to express their appreciation to the local and state police for their professionalism in investigating this terrible family tragedy."

The notice added that as the family contends with the shock and grief over this loss they will not be offering anymore statements.

According to court documents, Hamburg and her ex-husband Jeffrey Hamburg divorced in 2005. Since that time, the two had returned to court numerous times over the next four years.

Prior to the divorce, the family lived at 14 Stanton Court. According to acquaintances, the Hamburgs purchased the home around 1997 when they moved to Madison from the Atlanta area.

The couple seemed to settle into life here. They were members of the Madison Beach Club for a time, and their children attended local schools. The divorced couple sold the Stanton Court home in October of 2007 for $1.1 million, records show.

The one-story, three-bedroom, ranch at 44 Middle Beach Road West, one of the town's prime neighborhoods, is owned by Susan L. and Clinton F. Rodenberg and Paul A. and Ann Marie Vicino. Susan Rodenberg confirmed from her New York office that the home, an investment property, had been rented for several years but that "The police haven't called."

The State Police Central District Major Crime Squad responded to the scene at the request of the Madison Police Department. The state police are assisting in the investigation by documenting the entire scene and collecting all physical and forensic evidence.

Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this homicide, or anyone who saw anything or anyone in the area on Tuesday or Wednesday to please contact the Madison Police Department at 203-245-2721. All calls will be kept confidential.