CHICOPEE, Massachusetts – A Chicopee firefighter faces charges after allegedly fatally stabbing his girlfriend over the weekend in western Massachusetts.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday when Holyoke police responded to a 911 call reporting suspicious activity in the 200 block of South Water Street. Upon arrival, authorities found a man and a woman at the scene. The woman had sustained stab wounds, and the man was unresponsive due to self-inflicted injuries, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.
Tragically, despite receiving medical attention, the woman, identified as 48-year-old Eileen Monaghan of Chicopee, succumbed to her injuries. The man, later identified as 52-year-old Jason Chapdelaine from Springfield, was taken into custody and charged with murder.
Reports indicate that Chapdelaine and Monaghan were in a relationship. Chapdelaine appeared in Holyoke District Court for his arraignment on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 13.
Chapdelaine, a firefighter in Chicopee, has been placed on unpaid leave following his arrest, confirmed by the Chicopee mayor’s office. Monaghan, on the other hand, worked as an executive assistant to Sheriff Nick Cocchi and was a mother of two. Formerly, she served as the chief of staff to state Rep. Joseph Wagner, who retired in 2023.
Sheriff Cocchi expressed his grief over Monaghan’s tragic passing, calling her a “loved and valued colleague” and a “dedicated and generous person.” Monaghan is survived by her daughters as well as a large family spanning from western Massachusetts to Ireland.
The community has been deeply affected by this heartbreaking event, with many mourning Monaghan’s untimely death and offering condolences to her family during this difficult time.