Massachusetts Police Arrest Award-Winning Chef in Wife’s Killing at UMass Hotel

A Massachusetts chef has been arrested in the alleged killing of his wife. Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, an award-winning chef at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is accused of killing his wife at a campus hotel on April 22.

According to authorities, both MacDonald and the victim worked at the hotel. The alleged crime came to light when police were called to Hotel UMass around 7:42 PM on Wednesday. As officials reached MacDonald’s room, he allegedly began throwing objects at them, striking one officer in the face.

Police were eventually able to apprehend him. Officers then entered the room and found his wife dead. The arrest report stated that the victim, whose name has not been disclosed, suffered multiple injuries consistent with an assault.

“Upon entering Room 413, officers located a deceased female. Given the nature of the female’s significant injuries, it seemed apparent to officers that her injuries resulted from a violent assault,” the report reads.

The cause of the victim’s death has yet to be determined by the medical examiner. The arrest report further stated that MacDonald told police he had "intentionally beaten his wife with his hands, feet and other blunt objects in order to kill her."

MacDonald has been charged with one count of murder and assault and battery on a police officer. His arraignment took place April 23 in Eastern Hampshire District Court, where he pleaded not guilty. He is now being held without bail, and his next hearing is scheduled for May 12.

The motive behind the alleged killing remains unclear. The University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts Crime Scene Services Section are jointly investigating the case.

Addressing the murder on campus, UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes sent a message to the students and staff and said, “It is with deep sadness that I share that last night, the University of Massachusetts Police Department and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office responded to a suspected homicide of a UMass Amherst staff member.”

“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,” Reyes added.

MacDonald won a culinary award last year, being named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) in July 2025. At the time, UMass proudly announced the honor and appreciated the ‘chef’s talent, leadership, and commitment to advancing the culinary profession.’

“Being honored as Chef of the Year by the ACF is an incredible milestone. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues at UMass Dining and the inspiring culinary community that I’m fortunate to be part of,” MacDonald said in a statement. He was also previously awarded a gold medal by the ACF and named the Northeast Regional winner of the NACUFS Culinary Challenge.