Jeffrey R. MacDonald

Dr Jeffrey Macdonald Fort Bragg Murderer 1970A

American former Army officer and convicted murderer

Jeffrey R. MacDonald

Name	Jeffrey R. MacDonald
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Former Army officer, physician
Years active
Organization
Known for	Conviction for the murders of his wife and two daughters
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Colette MacDonald (m. 1963; d. 1970)
Website

Jeffrey Robert MacDonald (born October 12, 1943) is an American former Army officer and physician who was convicted in 1979 of murdering his pregnant wife, Colette, and their two daughters, Kimberley and Kristen, in February 1970.

Early life and education

MacDonald was born in New York City and raised in Patchogue, New York. He attended Patchogue-Medford High School, where he was voted "most popular" and "most likely to succeed." He later attended Princeton University, where he graduated with a degree in psychology. MacDonald then went on to study medicine at Northwestern University Medical School, earning his M.D. degree.

Military career

After completing his medical internship, MacDonald joined the United States Army and was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as a Captain and physician in the Special Forces.

Murders and investigation

On February 17, 1970, MacDonald's wife, Colette, and their two daughters, Kimberley and Kristen, were found murdered in their home at Fort Bragg. MacDonald claimed that a group of hippies had broken into their home and attacked the family. However, investigators found inconsistencies in his account and physical evidence that contradicted his story.

Trial and conviction

MacDonald was initially cleared of the charges by an Army Article 32 hearing in 1970. However, in 1979, he was tried in a civilian court and convicted of the murders. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and has been incarcerated since then. MacDonald has consistently maintained his innocence and has sought to have his conviction overturned through various legal appeals.

Media coverage and cultural impact

The case has been the subject of extensive media coverage and has inspired several books, including Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss, which was later adapted into a television miniseries. The case has also been featured in numerous true crime documentaries and television programs.

See also

• List of wrongful convictions in the United States
• List of people who have been executed in the United States