What began as a fairy tale love story ended in one of San Antonio’s most chilling homicides. Major Andre McDonald, a respected Air Force officer, and his wife, Andreen McDonald, appeared to be living the American dream. With a beautiful daughter and a multimillion-dollar home health business, their life looked picture-perfect. But beneath the surface, cracks in their relationship deepened into a violent end—rooted in greed, jealousy, and betrayal.
From Romance to Ruin
Andre met Andreen in 2009 in the scenic Jamaican town of Port Antonio. The couple quickly married and moved to Texas. Andreen, a driven businesswoman, ran the day-to-day operations of their successful home health company, while Andre supported her from the sidelines. But success didn’t bring peace.
By early 2019, the marriage was strained. On February 28, the couple argued via text. Andre accused Andreen of scheming and hiding money. Later that night, her phone went dark—never to be used again.
A Dispute Fueled by Money and Control
Although they built the business together, Andreen led the company while Andre enjoyed the financial rewards. According to prosecutor Steven Speir, their income reached seven figures—but the effort came mostly from Andreen.
Andre grew suspicious after learning she had excluded him from some business documents. He believed she was concealing assets. This paranoia festered, despite Texas laws entitling him to half of everything.
Adding fuel to the fire, Andreen had rekindled an affair with an ex-boyfriend. Andre, who had previously been accused of domestic violence, became increasingly volatile.
Andreen Vanishes Without a Trace
On March 1, 2019, Andreen missed a session with her personal trainer. Her absence sparked concern. Authorities quickly suspected Andre. His alibi didn’t hold up, and surveillance footage showed him purchasing an axe, trash bags, and a log-splitter shortly after Andreen disappeared.
Investigators found blood on a light switch and a hammer in the trash with Andreen’s DNA. Cleaning products and signs of an attempted cover-up raised even more red flags.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Robert Hanlon later explained,
“Using a weapon like a hammer shows rage and intimacy. It’s personal and requires close contact—this wasn’t random.”
Five months later, a rancher discovered skeletal remains five miles from the McDonald home. Forensic experts confirmed it was Andreen. Blunt force trauma matched the hammer found in the home.
The Chilling Confession
Days before his trial, Andre McDonald called Andreen’s sister, Cindy Johnson. He confessed—but claimed self-defense. In court, his demeanor was cold and detached.
Prosecutor Speir observed,
“Most people show some remorse when they’ve taken a life. But Andre still seemed angry, as if she had wronged him.”
The jury deliberated for 13 hours. Though charged with murder, Andre was convicted of manslaughter. He received 20 years in prison, plus five more for trying to cover up the crime.
A Child’s Broken Heart
During sentencing, the court read a heartbreaking letter from Andre and Andreen’s daughter, just seven years old at the time of her mother’s death. Her words cut deeper than any verdict:
“You killed my mother. You took away my life and you broke my heart. And you hurt my feelings.”
That moment underscored the devastating human cost of Andre’s actions—a family torn apart, a child left motherless, and a legacy of pain that no sentence can erase.
FAQs
Why did Andre McDonald kill his wife?
He killed her following a heated argument over money, business control, and infidelity.
What triggered the fatal incident?
Andre believed Andreen was hiding money and was enraged by her affair with an ex-boyfriend.
When did Andreen McDonald go missing?
She disappeared on March 1, 2019, after failing to meet her trainer.
What evidence linked Andre to the crime?
Police found blood, a hammer with Andreen’s DNA, and receipts for suspicious items like an axe and trash bags.
Did Andre confess to the killing?
Yes, he admitted to it days before trial but claimed it was self-defense.
What sentence did Andre McDonald receive?
He was sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter and five additional years for tampering with evidence.