Mass. man accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend, a local sheriff’s executive assistant

HOLYOKE, Mass. (TCD) -- Police arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of fatally stabbing his 48-year-old girlfriend and then harming himself over the weekend.

According to a news release from Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, in the early hours of Sunday, April 14, officers with the Holyoke Police Department responded to the 200 block of South Water Street, where they found Eileen Monaghan suffering from stab wounds. Officers also located Jason Chapdelaine unresponsive from suspected self-harm. Police performed lifesaving measures on both individuals, but Monaghan died from her wounds.

Police arrested Chapdelaine on a charge of murder. He was scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on Tuesday, April 16.

In a statement, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office said the victim, a mother of two, worked as the executive assistant for Sheriff Nick Cocchi. Deputies said domestic violence played a role in Monaghan’s death.

Cocchi stated, "This loss is felt deeply by the entire Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, Eileen’s family, friends, and the community. Eileen was not only a loved and valued colleague but also a dedicated and generous person who meant so much to so many, especially her kids."

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