AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Some students we’ve spoken to here on campus are still pretty shaken up and are concerned for their safety after hearing about the tragedy.

On Wednesday night, an alert was sent out to UMass students about the active law enforcement presence here on campus, but students were told there was no threat to the public.

A follow-up message was sent out today, obtained by Western Mass News, indicating that the suspect and victim knew each other -- and were both UMass Amherst staff members.

The official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the case remains under active investigation.

36-year-old Jeffrey MacDonald, of Wilbraham is now being held without bail…his next court appearance is May 12th. MacDonald was named Chef of the Year in 2025 by the American Culinary Federation earning national recognition.

Western Mass News spoke with students here on campus who say it’s heartbreaking to hear about something this tragic on their campus, however he doesn’t think community members are taking it seriously enough.

“I think what amazes me the most is like that nothing changes obviously there’s police and everything, but the sun still shines the same and it really hurts that something like that happens and you look around you and act like nothing else is occurring. The injustice almost,” said Ian McKay.

Coming up on Western Mass News at 6, we’ll have the latest from students and what they hope people can take away from a tragedy like this.