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Table of Contents

MacDonald’s Brutal Murders Remain Unsolved

RALEIGH, N.C. – In 1970, Jeffrey MacDonald, a U.S. Army physician, committed one of the most heinous crimes in North Carolina history. He brutally murdered his pregnant wife, Colette, and their two young daughters, Kimberly and Kristen, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Fifty years later, MacDonald’s appeal of his conviction has been dismissed, ensuring he will continue to serve out the three consecutive life sentences he received.

MacDonald has filed numerous unsuccessful challenges to his murder convictions, which have been repeatedly rejected by federal courts at every level. His latest appeal stemmed from a motion he filed in November 2020 requesting that the Court grant him ‘compassionate release’ and reduce his life sentences. However, the United States vigorously opposed the motion, arguing that MacDonald was not eligible for compassionate release and should not be let out of prison early.

On April 9, 2021, United States District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle denied MacDonald’s motion. MacDonald initially appealed that decision. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has now dismissed the appeal upon MacDonald’s request and with the United States’ consent. As a result, Judge Boyle’s order will stand, and MacDonald will remain in prison.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the Court of Appeals issued its order dismissing the appeal. ‘Jeffrey MacDonald did the unthinkable more than fifty years ago when he murdered his pregnant wife and two daughters in brutal fashion,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Acker. ‘MacDonald’s latest effort to get out of prison has failed just like his previous efforts failed. But today, as always, our minds turn to Colette, Kimberly, and little Kristen, and to the family and friends whose lives were devastated by their untimely deaths.’

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John E. Harris and Bryan M. Stephany.

The families of Colette, Kimberly, and Kristen continue to seek justice for their loved ones. ‘For decades, our office has sought justice on their behalf,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Acker. ‘That work continues today. And that work will continue every day until MacDonald’s efforts to escape justice cease for good.’

MacDonald’s brutal murders remain one of the most infamous crimes in North Carolina history, and his continued imprisonment is a testament to the work of law enforcement and prosecutors in seeking justice for the victims and their families.