An award-winning chef was arrested for murder after allegedly admitting that he 'intentionally beat wife to death' at a hotel in Massachusetts. Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, was charged with the murder of his 31-year-old wife, Emma, on Wednesday after police found her dead inside the Hotel UMass on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
MacDonald, who worked as a chef at the university, allegedly admitted to intentionally beating his wife to death using his hands, feet, and other objects. According to a police report cited by the Boston Globe, he stated that it was his intent to kill her. MacDonald, once named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and an assault and battery on a police officer offense.
Officers from the UMass Amherst Police Department responded to the hotel just before 8 p.m. after a 911 call reported an emergency. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, a 'violent struggle' occurred when officers first encountered MacDonald. He allegedly threw objects at the officers and struck one of them multiple times in the face.
Police found Emma dead in room 413, appearing to have sustained severe injuries believed to have been caused by 'a violent assault,' the affidavit states. Officials have not released what led up to the death of the mother of two. MacDonald and his wife were both employees of UMass Amherst.
The chef was arraigned on Thursday morning at Eastern Hampshire District Court before Judge Rebecca Michaels. MacDonald was held without bail, and his next hearing is scheduled for May 12. According to Law&Crime, he will also undergo a competency evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. The case remains under active investigation, and the official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes stated that 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,' Reyes 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.'
