The man who won the 2025 “Chef of the Year” at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst is accused of murd£ring his wife inside an on-campus hotel on Wednesday, April 22.
Jeffrey MacDonald admitted to police that he intentionally b£at his wife, Emma MacDonald, “to d£ath using his hands, feet, as well as a variety of other objects,” according to a police report obtained by the Boston Globe.
Jeffrey MacDonald, a 36-year-old executive sous chef of UMass Amherst dining, said it was “his intent to k!ll his wife in doing so” inside their room at the UMass Campus Center hotel.
Police responded to the on-campus lodging around 7:40 p.m. after reports of an emergency when a “violent struggle” broke out between Jeffrey MacDonald and police.
At one point, Jeffrey MacDonald allegedly threw multiple objects at the police and repeatedly struck one of the officers in the face.
After subduing the chef, officers entered the room and discovered Emma MacDonald’s lifeless body inside the hotel’s room 413, according to the outlet.
Emma, a 31-year-old staff member at the university, was pronounced de@d at the scene.
“Given the significant nature of the female’s injuries, it seemed apparent to investigators that her injuries had resulted from a violent assault,” the police report stated.
University officials said in an email sent out to staff on Thursday, April 23, that there was no threat to the campus.
“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,” Chancellor Javier Reyes said, according to Boston25 News.
“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.”
MacDonald was arrested and charged with first-degree murd£r and one count of a$sault and battery upon a police officer.
He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Eastern Hampshire District Court on Thursday, April 23.
MacDonald’s arrest comes nine months after UMass Amherst honored him for being named the 2025 “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. His recognition at the national level follows a series of impressive accomplishments, including being named the Northeast Regional Winner of the NACUFS Culinary Challenge and receiving a gold medal from the ACF,” the university said in a statement at the time.
“Being honored as Chef of the Year by the ACF is an incredible milestone,” MacDonald said. “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 is being held without bail, with a next court hearing scheduled for May 22.
His court-appointed attorney requested that MacDonald be evaluated for competency to stand trial, the Boston Globe reported.