Editors’ Note: This story will be updated as more information is made available.
The suspect, Jeffrey C. MacDonald, a 36 year old UMass Dining employee, allegedly killed his wife, who was also a UMass employee.
At the arraignment Thursday morning, the court determined that the crime committed was abuse “between family or household members,” as defined by the state of Massachusetts.
MacDonald was an executive sous chef at the Campus Center. In August of 2025, MacDonald was named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
On the evening of April 22, police responded to a suspected homicide of a University of Massachusetts staff member at Hotel UMass. A suspect is in custody and is being held without bail.
A UMass employee pleaded not guilty this morning to charges of first-degree murder, along with misdemeanor assault and battery on a police officer.
On the morning of April 23, an email was sent out by University of Massachusetts Chancellor Javier Reyes notifying the UMass community of the ongoing investigation.
According to the email and a mass text sent to all students after 9 p.m. on April 22, “there is no ongoing threat to our campus or the community.”
“I want to acknowledge that this is heartbreaking and deeply unsettling news for our campus,” Reyes said in the email. “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.
The victim is not a student at UMass. According to NDAO and Reyes, the suspect and victim knew each other.
Alexandra Hill can be reached at [email protected] and Daniel Frank can be reached at [email protected].
