Overview
- Jeffrey C. MacDonald, 36, a UMass Amherst chef, is accused of killing his wife, 31-year-old Emma MacDonald, inside Hotel UMass after a 911 call at 7:42 p.m. Wednesday.
- He pleaded not guilty Thursday in Eastern Hampshire District Court to murder and to assault and battery on a police officer and was ordered held without bail.
- A police report says MacDonald admitted he intentionally beat his wife to death using his hands, feet, and other objects, and officers reported a violent struggle when they arrived.
- UMass police and Massachusetts State Police detectives continue to investigate, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, and the university says there is no ongoing threat and counseling is available.
- Both the victim and suspect worked for UMass, MacDonald had recently earned national culinary honors, and prior court filings reported by outlets alleged earlier abuse in his family.