Massachusetts firefighter with Grim Reaper tattoo is charged with murdering girlfriend by stabbing her 40 times in face, neck and torso before trying to hang himself in drunken frenzy

A Massachusetts firefighter with a Grim Reaper tattoo has been accused of fatally stabbing and murdering his girlfriend before attempting to kill himself. 

Jason Chapdelaine, 52, of Springfield has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly knifing 48-year-old Eileen Monaghan a total of 40 times. He has pleaded not guilty, and is being held in custody without bail. 

The Holyoke Police Department officers found the accused covered in blood and Monaghan lying motionless beneath him after responding to a 911 call made by a security guard. 

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'. 

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'.

Jason Chapdelaine, 52, of Springfield has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly murdering Eileen Monaghan ,48, of Chicopee (pictured) 

Chapdelaine, who has a Grim Reaper tattoo, was found with a belt tied around his neck and a grab-handle on the driver's side of his Toyota Tacoma by officers 

Chapdelaine, who has a Grim Reaper tattoo, 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 a grab-handle on the driver's side of his Toyota Tacoma and determined that the accused had attempted to hang himself.

Police further described Monaghan's condition in the report and said: 'She was 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.'  

Officers provided aid to both at the scene but the mother-of-two succumbed to her injuries. 

The report further states that the Chapdelaine had allegedly told the 911 caller: 'I didn't really mean to do it' before deputies arrived the scene. 

During questioning, the accused firefighter reportedly said: 'I don't really feel I ... I need to ... I murdered a woman.' 

During questioning, the accused firefighter reportedly said: 'I don't really feel I ... I need to ... I murdered a woman'

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' 

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 Cocch and was previously the chief of staff for State Representative Joseph Wagner, the Asst. Majority Leader. 

In a Facebook post, the Sheriff Cocchi described Monaghan 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.  

The accused pleaded not guilty at the Holyoke District Court today and has been held without bail at the Franklin County House of Correction. 

Chapdelaine is scheduled to return to court on May 13 and has been placed on unpaid leave.