A chef employed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst is facing charges for allegedly murdering his wife in a campus hotel room, police have reported.
According to details from a police report obtained by the Boston Globe, 36-year-old Jeffrey C. MacDonald is accused of taking the life of his 31-year-old wife, Emma MacDonald, while they were staying at the Hotel UMass on Wednesday.
Law enforcement officers responded to a distress call at the hotel, where they read MacDonald his Miranda rights. He reportedly confessed to having “intentionally beaten his wife to death” using his hands, feet, and various other objects, with the intent to kill her, as detailed in the police report.
The UMass chef, Jeffrey MacDonald, stands accused of murdering his wife, Emma MacDonald. (Image courtesy of UMass)
Authorities described Emma MacDonald’s injuries as “significant,” noting that they clearly resulted from a brutal attack, according to the investigators.
During a court appearance on Thursday, MacDonald entered a plea of not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, as well as assault and battery.
The 911 call was received at 7:42 p.m. on Wednesday, which alerted campus police to the incident which took place at room 414 at Hotel UMass.
UMass Amherst students walk across campus. (Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe/Getty Images)
Campus police as well as nearby Hadley police responded to the room, where a “violent struggle took place” between MacDonald and the officers, with the man accused of throwing objects at the officers, according to the police report, which added that the murder suspect repeatedly struck an officer in the face.
Less than nine months ago, MacDonald was named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
“This distinguished honor is a testament to MacDonald’s talent, leadership, and commitment to advancing the culinary profession,” the university wrote in announcing the award on Aug. 8, 2025.
Police said the alleged murder took place at the Campus Center Hotel. (Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes released a statement on the alleged murder on Thursday.
“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. 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,” Reyes said.
Fox News Digital reached out to MacDonald’s attorney.
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