Jeffrey MacDonald, a chef at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was arrested for murder after allegedly admitting he intentionally beat his wife Emma to death at a hotel on campus. Police found Emma dead inside the Hotel UMass, appearing to have sustained severe injuries believed to be caused by a violent assault, according to an affidavit. MacDonald admitted that he had intentionally beaten his wife to death using his hands, feet, and other objects, and that it was his intent to kill her, police said.
Officers responded to the hotel just before 8pm after a 911 call reported an emergency. When first encountering MacDonald, a 'violent struggle' occurred, officials said. MacDonald allegedly threw several objects at officers and struck one officer several times in the face. He pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and an assault and battery on a police officer offense. MacDonald was arraigned on Thursday morning at Eastern Hampshire District Court before Judge Rebecca Michaels. He was held without bail, and his next hearing is scheduled for May 12. MacDonald will undergo a competency evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
MacDonald worked as a chef at the school and was once named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation. He and his wife were both employees of UMass Amherst. UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said there is no ongoing threat to the campus. Officials have not released what led up to the death. The case remains under active investigation; the official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.