In an obituary posted online Monaghan is described as the daughter of Irish immigrants ‘who was extremely proud of her Irish heritage’
Jason Chapdelaine (52) of Springfield is facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly knifing 48-year-old Eileen Monaghan in the head, arms and torso on April 14.
He has pleaded not guilty, and is being held in custody without bail.
After responding to a 911 call made by a security guard, Holyoke Police Department officers found Chapdelaine covered in blood with Monaghan lying motionless under him
According to the Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, the woman “appeared to be suffering from stab wounds and the male was unresponsive due to self-inflicted harm”.
Eileen Monaghan
A police report further described Monaghan as “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-edged instrument,” the report states.
Officers provided aid to both at the scene but the mother-of-two succumbed to her injuries.
An autopsy report determined that Monaghan’s death was a homicide caused by “sharp instrument wounds and blunt force trauma including some 40 wounds to her head, torso, and arms”.
Chapdelaine was allegedly found with bloodshot eyes and reeked of alcohol at the scene, according to officials.
The arrest report states that officers found Chapdelaine with a belt tied around his neck and determined that the accused had attempted to hang himself.
The report further states that before deputies arrived the scene, Chapdelaine had allegedly told the 911 caller: “I didn’t really mean to do it”.
And during follow-up questioning, the accused firefighter reportedly said: “I murdered a woman.”
In an obituary posted online Monaghan is described as the daughter of Irish immigrants “who was extremely proud of her Irish heritage”.
“She had a love of Irish music and culture,” the obituary reads. “On the wall of her kitchen, she hung maps of both C0 Kerry, her mother’s birthplace, and Co Mayo, the birthplace of her father
“Her greatest joy in life was her family and extended family, and having them gathered together taking pictures, making memories, and enjoying her homemade feasts.
“For all that Eileen will be remembered for, she was a devoted and loving mother above all else. She shared a very special bond with her two daughters, Ashley and Kathleen. Eileen will be deeply missed, every day.
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 an assistant to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi who described her as a generous person and “a rose in a world of thorns”.
“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.
“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 Eileen was loved and will be missed is an understatement,’ the post read.
Chapdelaine was arrested at the scene by Holyoke police and charged with murder.
He was arraigned on April 16 in Holyoke District Court where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
The court ordered Chapdelaine to be held without right to bail at the Franklin County House of Correction in Greenfield. Later, Chapdelaine was ordered to be transferred to the Bridgewater State Hospital for a 30-day evaluation by reason of mental illness.
