He was crowned Chef of the Year but behind the award-winning meals he was allegedly cooking up a sick plan to murder his wife in UMass campus hotel room

Published: 15:16, 6 June 2026 | Updated: 15:16, 6 June 2026 A University of Massachusetts Amherst chef who was named the American Culinary Federation's 2025 Chef of the Year allegedly beat his wife to death inside a campus hotel room. Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham, appeared in court on Tuesday for a mental health hearing as his murder case heads toward Superior Court. MacDonald is charged with murder and assault and battery on a police officer in connection with the death of his wife, Emma MacDonald, 31, who was found dead inside Room 413 at Hotel UMass, a university-run hotel located inside the University of Massachusetts Campus Center, on April 22. According to a police report cited by the Boston Globe, officers responded to the hotel at approximately 7.40pm after receiving reports of an emergency. Officers responding to the scene became involved in a 'violent struggle' with MacDonald before entering the room, the report states. Investigators allege MacDonald threw multiple objects at officers and repeatedly struck one officer in the face before he was subdued.  After gaining control of the situation, officers entered the room and discovered his wife Emma dead. According to the police report, MacDonald later told investigators he had intentionally beaten his wife to death using his hands, feet and a variety of blunt objects and that it was his intent to kill her. Award-winning UMass chef Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, has been indicted for murder after he allegedly beat his wife Emma MacDonald, 31, to death inside a campus hotel room Emma MacDonald, 31, worked for UMass dining services and is remembered by friends as a devoted mother and beloved member of the campus community  '[After his arrest] MacDonald spoke with investigators, during which he admitted that he had intentionally beaten his [wife] to death using his hands, feet, as well as a variety of blunt objects, and that it was his intent to kill her in doing so,' UMass Amherst Police Lieutenant James Sullivan said in a statement. A police report cited by CBS Boston stated that the severity of her injuries made it apparent that they were the result of a 'violent assault.' The allegations stunned the campus community because both MacDonalds worked for the university's dining services operation.  MacDonald served as an executive sous chef with UMass Amherst Dining, one of the largest collegiate dining operations in the country, and was honored by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as its 2025 Chef of the Year. 'Being honored as Chef of the Year by the ACF is an incredible milestone,' MacDonald said at the time. '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.'  According to a UMass Amherst announcement published months before the killing, MacDonald had won the Northeast Regional NACUFS Culinary Challenge and earned an ACF gold medal before being named Chef of the Year.  Emma, meanwhile, worked as a supervisor in UMass dining and catering. Friends and family have since focused on remembering Emma by her maiden name, Emma Pasterczyk, rather than the surname she shared with the man accused of killing her. Police say officers responding to the UMass Campus Center Hotel became involved in a 'violent struggle' with MacDonald before discovering Emma dead inside the room MacDonald worked as an Executive Sous Chef for UMass Amherst Dining, one of the largest collegiate dining operations in the country Those who knew her described her as outgoing, generous and endlessly fun to be around. Before joining UMass, Emma worked at Chmura's Bakery Too in Palmer and eventually became a part owner in the business.  Friends told MassLive that Emma was known for giving away pastries to coworkers and sharing doughnuts from Chmura's Bakery Too with customers and loved ones.  Emma leaves behind her daughter, Sadie, as well as two stepsons. A GoFundMe created for Emma's family described her as a loving mother who cared deeply for her daughter, Sadie, and the family's two dachshunds, Tito and Jack.  According to the fundraiser, donations will help support Sadie's future and provide counseling and other resources following her mother's death. The killing unfolded inside Room 413 of Hotel UMass, a 113-room property located within the university's Campus Center.  According to the hotel's website, the university-run hotel serves as a teaching facility, with many employees studying hospitality and tourism management at UMass Amherst.  Friends now refer to the victim by her maiden name, Emma Pasterczyk, saying they do not want her remembered by the surname of the man accused of killing her UMass Amherst hosted a memorial vigil following the killing, and flowers and tributes were left outside the Campus Center in Emma's honor. Chancellor Javier Reyes described the case as 'heartbreaking and deeply unsettling news for our campus.' MacDonald pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance, WWLP reported. He has since undergone a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital and is being held without the right to bail at the Hampshire County House of Corrections. During Tuesday's hearing, defense attorneys sought access to a report generated following his stay at Bridgewater, arguing it could affect decisions regarding his custody and transportation The judge agreed to allow the defense to review the report, with prosecutors indicating it could be released with appropriate redactions. Court officials said MacDonald has already been indicted and is awaiting arraignment in Superior Court.  His next court status hearing is scheduled for July 28. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. 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