Massachusetts University Chef Charged in Wife's Murder

A chef at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) has been charged with murdering his wife at a campus hotel. Jeffrey C. MacDonald, 36, is accused of killing his wife, Emma MacDonald, 31, in a hotel room on campus.

According to a police report, he stated that he killed his wife himself. Emma MacDonald's injuries were consistent with those from a 'violent assault.' Jeffrey C. MacDonald pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and assault.

The incident came to light after a 911 call was received around 7:42 p.m. Wednesday, leading campus police to respond to the scene, Hotel UMass Room 414.

Approximately nine months prior to the incident, he was named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.

The chancellor of UMass Amherst expressed regret over the incident. He explained that it was difficult to immediately release all information to protect the integrity of the investigation.