An award-winning chef for UMass Amherst is facing murder charges after officials say his wife was found dead at hotel on campus earlier this week.
Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham, was arrested Wednesday evening after police responded to a 911 call at Hotel UMass on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.
When police arrived around 7:42 p.m., MacDonald allegedly became combative. Investigators say MacDonald threw objects at officers, striking one UMass officer in the face.
MacDonald, who was named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation last year, was arraigned Thursday in Eastern Hampshire District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of assault and battery on a police officer.
He is accused of carrying out the killing of his wife – who has not been publicly named – inside the 113-room campus hotel, which operates as a teaching facility for students in the university’s hospitality program, WWLP reported.
Inside the hotel room, officers made a grim discovery. Police said the woman’s injuries were consistent with a violent attack.
“Upon entering Room 413, officers located a deceased female,” according to the report. “Given the nature of the female’s significant injuries, it seemed apparent to officers that her injuries resulted from a violent assault.”
According to the report obtained by CBS News, MacDonald admitted to investigators that he had “intentionally beaten” his wife with his hands, feet, and other blunt objects “and that it was his intent to kill her in doing so.”
Although the victim’s name has not been released, the DA’s office confirmed both MacDonald and the victim, who they describe as his wife, were employees of UMass Amherst. Her cause of death has not yet been determined.
In a message to the campus community, UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said there is no ongoing threat to the campus.
“I want to acknowledge that this is heartbreaking and deeply unsettling news for our campus. Our thoughts are with those affected, including the families, friends, and colleagues of the individuals involved,” he wrote. “I also recognize that the lack of complete information may add to the distress many are feeling, but this is necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Please know that support resources are available for anyone who may need them during this time.”
The investigation remains ongoing and involves UMass Amherst Police, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts Crime Scene Services Section.
MacDonald is being held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for May 12.
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