- Jason Chapdelaine, 52, of Springfield, has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing 48-year-old Eileen Monaghan 40 times to death.
- The defendant pleaded not guilty today in Holyoke District Court.
A Massachusetts firefighter with a Grim Reaper tattoo has been accused of fatally stabbing and murdering his girlfriend before attempting suicide.
Jason Chapdelaine, 52, of Springfield, has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing 48-year-old Eileen Monaghan a total of 40 times. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.
Holyoke Police Department officers found the defendant covered in blood and Monaghan motionless beneath him after responding to a 911 call made by a security guard.
According to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, the woman “appeared to be suffering from stab wounds and the man was unresponsive due to self-inflicted harm.”
an autopsy report ruled Monaghan’s death a homicide caused by “slash instrument injuries and blunt force trauma, including approximately 40 wounds to the head, torso and arms.”
Jason Chapdelaine, 52, of Springfield, has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing Eileen Monaghan, 48, of Chicopee (pictured).
Chapdelaine, who has a Grim Reaper tattoo, was found by officers with a belt tied around his neck and a grab bar on the driver’s side of his Toyota Tacoma.
Chapdelaine, who has a Grim Reaper tattoo, was allegedly found with bloodshot eyes and reeked of alcohol at the scene, according to authorities.
The arrest report indicates that officers found Chapdelaine with a belt tied around his neck and a grab handle on the driver’s side of his Toyota Tacoma and determined that the defendant had attempted to hang himself.
Police further described Monaghan’s condition in the report, saying: “She was covered in an excessive amount of blood and appeared to have a laceration near the right side of her mouth.”
‘[She had] multiple wounds consistent with injuries inflicted by a sharp instrument.’
Officers rendered aid to both at the scene, but the mother of two succumbed to her injuries.
The report further states that Chapdelaine had allegedly told the 911 caller, “I really didn’t mean to do it” before officers arrived at the scene.
During questioning, the accused firefighter reportedly said, “I don’t really feel like… I need to… I murdered a woman.”
During interrogation, the accused firefighter reportedly said, “I really don’t feel like… I need to… murder a woman.”
An autopsy report determined Monaghan’s death was a homicide caused by “sharp instrument injuries and blunt force trauma, including approximately 40 wounds to the head, torso and arms.”
According to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was the daughter of retired HCSO maintenance supervisor Michael Monaghan Sr. and Bridie Monaghan.
Monaghan was a deputy to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocch and previously was chief of staff to state Rep. Joseph Wagner, the aide. Majority leader.
on a facebook mailSheriff Cocchi described Monaghan as a generous person and “a rose in a world of thorns.”
‘This loss is deeply felt by the entire Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, Eileen’s family, friends and community.
‘Eileen was not only a loved and valued colleague, but also a dedicated and generous person who meant a lot to many people, especially her children.
‘Eileen was truly a rose in a world of thorns. As we try to process this tragic loss, please keep the Monaghan family in your thoughts and prayers. “To say that Eileen was loved and will be missed is an understatement,” the post read.
The defendant pleaded not guilty today in Holyoke District Court and remains held without bail at the Franklin County House of Corrections.
Chapdelaine is scheduled to return to court on May 13 and has been placed on unpaid leave.