An award-winning UMass Amherst chef has been charged with murder after authorities say his wife was found dead inside a campus hotel earlier this week.
Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham, was taken into custody Wednesday night after police responded to a 911 call at Hotel UMass on the university campus, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Officers say MacDonald became aggressive when they arrived around 7:42 p.m., allegedly throwing objects at police and hitting one UMass officer in the face.
MacDonald, who earned Chef of the Year honors from the American Culinary Federation last year, appeared in Eastern Hampshire District Court on Thursday, pleading not guilty to charges of murder and assault and battery on a police officer. Prosecutors allege he killed his wife, whose identity has not been released, inside the 113-room campus hotel, which also serves as a training site for hospitality students.
Responding officers found the woman dead in the hotel room, with injuries authorities say suggested a violent assault. According to court documents cited by CBS News, MacDonald allegedly told investigators he intentionally beat his wife with his hands, feet, and blunt objects, claiming he intended to kill her.
Officials confirmed both MacDonald and the victim were employees at UMass Amherst. The woman’s official cause of death has not yet been determined.
In a statement to the campus community, Chancellor Javier Reyes called the incident heartbreaking and said there is no ongoing threat to campus safety. He acknowledged the emotional impact on students and staff while noting that limited information is being shared to protect the investigation. Support resources have been made available for those affected.
The case remains under investigation by UMass Amherst Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives, and crime scene officials. MacDonald is being held without bail and is due back in court on May 12.