AMHERST — An award-winning chef pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in Eastern Hampshire District Court Thursday morning in connection with the killing of a woman inside the UMass Campus Center Hotel Wednesday evening.
Jeffrey MacDonald also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of assault and battery on a police officer. He is being held without bail, and is expected to appear back in court for a probable cause hearing on May 22.
According to the Northwestern district attorney’s office, a preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect and the victim, who has not been identified, were known to each other. Neither individual is a UMass Amherst student. The victim was a UMass Amherst staff member, according to a message sent to the campus community on Thursday morning by Chancellor Javier Reyes,
The incident remains under investigation by the UMass Amherst Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts Crime Scene Services Section.
The official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In his statement, Reyes said there is no ongoing threat to the campus or the community.
“I want to acknowledge that this is heartbreaking and deeply unsettling news for our campus,” he wrote. “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.”
This is a developing story. Check back on gazettenet.com throughout the day for more updates.
