Holyoke, Massachusetts – A Chicopee firefighter faces charges for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death over the weekend in Western Massachusetts. The incident took place early Sunday morning in Holyoke when authorities responded to reports of suspicious activity.
According to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, 52-year-old Jason Chapdelaine of Springfield was arrested and charged with murder following the discovery of the victim, 48-year-old Eileen Monaghan of Chicopee, at the scene. Despite medical efforts, Monaghan tragically succumbed to her injuries, while Chapdelaine was found unresponsive due to self-inflicted harm.
Chapdelaine appeared in court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Held without bail, he is scheduled for a future court appearance on May 13. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
Officials confirmed that Chapdelaine, employed as a firefighter in Chicopee, has been placed on unpaid leave following his arrest. Monaghan, an executive assistant to Sheriff Nick Cocchi and a mother of two, had previously served as the chief of staff to retired state Rep. Joseph Wagner in 2023.
Sheriff Cocchi expressed profound grief over Monaghan’s tragic passing, describing her as a cherished colleague and a compassionate individual. He emphasized the impact of her loss on her family and the community, asking for prayers and support for the Monaghan family during this difficult time.
Survived by her daughters and a large family with connections in both Western Massachusetts and Ireland, Monaghan’s untimely death has deeply saddened those who knew her. The tragedy underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence within communities and the urgent need for support and resources to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.