AN AMERICAN DREAM TURNED NIGHTMARE
They were the epitome of the American dream. Andreen McDonald, hailed as a "rising star," and Andre McDonald, a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Air Force, were a power couple from San Antonio who built a prosperous business that allowed them to lead a luxurious lifestyle. However, their seemingly perfect world came crashing down in the winter of 2019 when Andreen mysteriously vanished.
"I can still remember the overwhelming sense of panic," recalls friend Mandy Hall. "Andreen would never just disappear without a trace."
Investigator Frank Stubbs, speaking to "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant, reveals, "Her purse was found untouched, her keys were left on the counter, and her vehicles remained in the driveway." During the search of their home, Stubbs made a chilling discovery. "I stumbled upon bloodstains on the wall in an unusual area, and there was also blood and hair on a light switch," he discloses.
Within minutes, the deputy noticed traces of blood and hair on the light switch. Additionally, in the backyard, which is usually well-maintained, there was a random burn pile, adding to the mystery.
We found a zipper from Andreen's blouse, said Maureen Smith.
So it was Andreen's blouse? asked Peter Van Sant.
Yes, confirmed Maureen Smith.
As soon as he learned that Andreen was missing, Andre hurried back home. However, he quickly left again, following a hunch that Andreen, who suffered from migraines, might have gone to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Andre's arrival at the hospital was captured by surveillance cameras, according to lead investigator Frank Stubbs.
On that tape, he comes in and asks for McDonald. They tell him there's somebody in Room 3 named McDonald, explained Frank Stubbs.
When he returns home, what does he tell them? asked Peter Van Sant.
He tells them that she's in the hospital, replied Frank Stubbs.
However, when the deputy called the hospital, he discovered that the person who had checked in under the name McDonald was not Andreen McDonald.
Andre rushed back home before seeing his wife because he had left his cellphone at home and wanted to let Maureen know he had found Andreen.
There was some indication to him that she was there and injured to some extent.
Unfortunately, the major's hunch turned out to be wrong.
When I heard, I was — oh, God, I was so upset … I was just thinking that she's someplace that we can find her.
And for Andreen's mother-in-law, Jackie Horne, who lived in Florida, there was uncertainty.
I had called Andreen's phone about a thousand times already, saying, "Andreen, whatever it is, please, please, just call me back."
What concerned everyone was the fact Andreen would never just disappear. She was known for her sense of responsibility and dedication to her family and business.
How would you describe Andreen?
She knows what she wants. And she would never stop until she get it.
ANDREEN (video): I did come in before he did. Way —
ANDRE: Right, Andreen did defeat me, and she is so excited.
Andreen created an assisted living business in San Antonio called Starlight Homes when she was just 22. And, according to Andre's close friend Andrew Russell, Andre bankrolled her dreams.
Andrew Russell: In order to start the business, Andre, he liquidated his 401K. … And .. he sold the BMW that he owned.
Jackie Horne: They were doing so well. They were doing everything that would make any mother proud.
Starlight Homes thrived, and under Andreen's watch the tiny home-based business transformed into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in just seven years.
ANDREEN MCDONALD SPEECH: When I started my assisted living, I only started with three residents … Today, Starlight Homes Assisted Living, we have two locations in the San Antonio area.
Childhood friend, Mandy Hall, says Andreen's success was born out of humble beginnings.
Mandy Hall: Growing up in Portland, Jamaica … we didn't have a lot. … And, so, we figured if we wanted to get somewhere in life … it would be in America. … That's where the dream was.
Andreen's dream of coming to America came true at 19, when she met Andre. He was also a native of Jamaica, who at the time was a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Andre had returned home to Port Antonio, Jamaica, in May 2009 to attend a funeral where he met Andreen, who was 10 years younger.
Peter Van Sant: Was there an attraction right from the beginning?
Maureen Smith
Maureen Smith was filled with excitement when she met him. She was thrilled about the captain in the Air Force. Eventually, they both decided that she would come to America.
They got married in July.
Jackie Horne
Jackie Horne was happy to know that he had found someone to share his life with.
Soon, their life together would include a baby girl named Alayna. Alayna was the center of Andreen's world, which is why her disappearance was so puzzling, according to Horne.
Jackie Horne said, "I don't think Andreen would just get up and leave Alayna, and nobody would hear from her."
That evening, a forensic crime unit examined the stains in the bathroom and confirmed that they were indeed blood.
Peter Van Sant asked, "While you were going through the house, was Andre there?"
Frank Stubbs replied, "Yes, he was."
Peter Van Sant then asked, "Did you see any signs of bruising on his body, any signs of injuries that perhaps he'd been in a struggle?"
Frank Stubbs answered, "Nothing that we could determine."
Investigators were hoping that Andre had some answers. However, the last time he had seen his wife was the night before, and his description of the events raised more questions than answers.
Frank Stubbs: A Marriage in Turmoil
Frank Stubbs, a key figure in the investigation, revealed new details about the events leading up to the fateful night. He disclosed that Andre and Andreen had a heated argument over their business after returning from the tax preparer's office. In an attempt to cool off, Andre decided to go to the Shell station to get some gas. Video evidence obtained by investigators confirmed his visit to the station.
Upon returning home, Andre and Andreen went to separate bedrooms, according to Andre's account. However, investigators discovered a text exchange that took place during Andre's time at the gas station, which Andre had failed to mention. The text messages found on Andre's phone painted a picture of a marriage in turmoil, with allegations of betrayal.
Tattoos, Texts, and a Marriage in Turmoil
The text messages revealed accusations of unfaithfulness and a reference to a person named Aubyn. Andreen warned Andre that if he brought up Aubyn again, she would file for divorce. In response, Andre expressed indifference towards the idea of divorce, blaming Andreen for introducing Aubyn into their lives.
Investigators discovered that Aubyn Hall, a businessman from Port Antonio, Jamaica, was Andreen's ex-boyfriend and potentially her current lover. Andreen and Aubyn had a history, dating back to her teenage years. According to Andreen's close friend Mandy Hall, the two rekindled their romance during one of Andreen's philanthropic trips to the island in 2017.
Anonymous Source: Aubyn has always held a special place in Andreen's heart... It wasn't something Andreen was able to move on from emotionally.
The affair between them remained a secret until the summer of 2018, when Andreen decided to get two new tattoos: an initial "A" on her hand and a date on her wrist.
Anonymous Source: Andy became suspicious of the meaning behind those tattoos.
With a growing sense of doubt, Andreen's partner took it upon himself to investigate the mystery behind the tattoos.
Anonymous Source: He started doing his own research.
It was on social media that Andreen's partner stumbled upon a revealing photograph of Aubyn with the exact same tattoo that Andreen had on her hand.
And those numbers, 14-3-76? They represent Aubyn's birthday — day, month, and year.
Anonymous Source: Andreen confessed to me that she got the tattoo on impulse... She knew it was a foolish thing to do.
Furious, Andreen's partner threatened divorce unless she ended all contact with Aubyn, covered up her tattoos, and promised not to travel to Jamaica without him.
Anonymous Source: Andreen did cover up the tattoos... She didn't want to lose everything she had worked so hard for.
At Andreen's 40th birthday celebration, everything seemed fine on the surface for the McDonalds. However, just 13 days later, on March 1, 2019, Andreen vanished.
The once festive home had transformed into a crime scene as investigators worked the residence until 2 a.m. the next morning. When they couldn't locate Andreen's cellphone, investigators checked to see if her credit cards or passport had been used — all dead ends.
Unnamed Investigator: We came up empty-handed on all of these inquiries. ... At this point, all we had was a missing person.
Within hours of his spouse's disappearance, Andre McDonald became a person of interest. He stopped answering questions and sought legal representation.
At 2 p.m. the next day, an undercover investigator assigned to monitor the residence noticed that the garage had been damaged and Andre was pulling out of the driveway.
The investigator followed him to a nearby firearms store where additional investigators, who were called to the scene, observed Andre purchasing a 9mm handgun and ammunition.
Unnamed Investigator: We were under the assumption that he was buying a gun to potentially harm himself.
When Andre returned to his vehicle, investigators confronted him in a forceful apprehension.
Investigators proceeded to detain the Air Force major and handed him over to military authorities for a mental evaluation.
Meanwhile, investigators returned to the residence with a search warrant and inspected Andreen's car. While there, certain items caught their attention.
Peter Van Sant: There was a shovel. There was an ax.
Anonymous Source: An ax. There was a — like a hatchet kind of maul. There was … trash bags, there were gloves … And a couple of gas cans.
And there was more.
Anonymous Source: Inside … the garbage can in the house was … a receipt from Lowe's that had been torn up.
Detectives were able to obtain surveillance footage from the hardware store —items that were purchased the day after Andreen went missing.
Anonymous Source (watching surveillance video): This is Andre McDonald coming into the Lowe's …he's going to purchase several items. … You can see him with a basket here. You can see there's a shovel in the basket … And now, he comes up here … there's two gas cans. … There's a maul —
Anonymous Source: There's the hatchet.
Anonymous Source: — or a hatchet … Here's that ax.
Anonymous Source: What's at play here?
Anonymous Source: It appeared to us that … now that his wife was missing. It pointed to the disposal of her body.
Anonymous Source: Look at that cart full of ill will, right?
Anonymous Source: Yes.
And in the corner of the garage, investigators would uncover what they say was the most damning evidence of all.
Anonymous Source: We found a hammer and clothing … in the garbage. … The clothing that we found … appeared to be Andre's clothing.
ALL EYES ON MAJOR ANDRE MCDONALD
On March 2, 2019, 48 hours into the investigation, it was discovered that key evidence stained with Andreen's blood was found inside the family's trash can. This development took the missing person's case to a much darker level.
Investigator Frank Stubbs stated, "The evidence was pointing towards a murder."
However, there was a challenge. None of the evidence collected provided definitive proof that a murder had taken place.
Stubbs acknowledged, "Turning a missing person's case into a homicide case is very difficult."
Following the conclusion of the Air Force's evaluation of Andre on March 3, 2019, he was released. However, civil authorities wasted no time in arresting him.
But it wasn't for murder. Major Andre McDonald was arrested for tampering with evidence based upon that torn receipt found at the house listing the items he had purchased from the hardware store.
Andre's arrest left his mother in a state of shock and disbelief.
Jackie Horne: I saw that Andre was taken into custody. … And I just collapsed. … I know he loved Andreen. Why would he harm her?
And for Andreen's mother, Andre's arrest left her head spinning.
Maureen Smith: Oh, God. Andre could not hurt Andreen. That's what I was saying. But who else?
Adding to everyone's sense of shock, confusion and suspicion was Andre's decision to stop cooperating with detectives.
Sheriff Javier Salazar: Andre's face told us … there was no way in hell we were going to break him and make him tell us what had happened.
Sheriff Salazar went on local TV asking for help.
SHERIFF SALAZAR (news conference): We are asking anybody with any information on her whereabouts to give us a call …"
Soon after, the community of San Antonio, along with family and friends came out in droves to look for Andreen, including a volunteer search party formed by former Air Force Airman Bobby Green.
Green took "48 Hours" out to one of the areas where he searched for Andreen.
Tragic Discovery: Skeletal Remains Found in Missing Woman's Case
A shocking breakthrough has been made in the case of Andreen McDonald, who went missing 133 days ago. The discovery of skeletal remains in a farmer's field just six miles from her home has confirmed the worst fears of her family and friends.
The investigation took a dark turn when Andrew Russell, a close friend of the McDonalds, revealed that he witnessed a physical altercation between Andreen and her husband, Andy, the night before a Christmas party in 2018. Russell expressed his discomfort with the situation, describing it as toxic.
Months later, Andreen's blood was found in her home, and she vanished without a trace. The search for her came to a tragic end when Clifton Klabunde, while retrieving a cow skull on his property, stumbled upon what appeared to be a human skull.
Authorities have now confirmed that the skeletal remains belong to Andreen McDonald, bringing closure to a long and agonizing wait for her loved ones.
MAJOR ANDRE MCDONALD TAKES THE STAND
Andreen's family had waited for justice for four years.
Cindy Johnson: It hurts … every night before I go to my bed, I think about her.
Bexar County Assistant District Attorneys Steve Speir, Lauren Scott and Ryan Groomer would prosecute Andre McDonald for the murder of his wife, Andreen.
But the prosecution would face an uphill battle. Despite the evidence found at the McDonald home — the hammer and the blood — the prosecution could not say for sure how Andreen died.
Lauren Scott: Because … Andreen's body … was out in the elements in that field for all of those days … medical examiner's office was unable to specify what exactly caused Andreen's death.
Peter Van Sant: And does that, Steven, complicate your preparation?
Steven Speir: No, it absolutely does. … we say he caused her death; however, we don't know how.
Peter Van Sant: If Andre murdered his wife, what do you believe was his motive?
Steven Speir: A Story of Jealousy and Envy
I believe it was largely because he felt emasculated … she was such a rising star, had control of these businesses … And I think he was jealous of that.
Andre McDonald, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by some of the top defense lawyers in San Antonio: John Convery, Zoe Russell and John Hunter.
Peter Van Sant: The Motive Behind the Tragedy
How would you respond to the notion that … what caused all this was his … envy of his wife's success?
John Hunter: I — I don't see any evidence of that.
Zoe Russell: Andre is a major in the Air Force. I mean, he's incredibly successful on his own right.
Major Andre McDonald had been under house arrest since April 2021. But days before his trial was set to begin on Jan. 17, 2023, Andre, who had remained silent about his wife's death began telling an extraordinary story, beginning with his own mother.
Jackie Horne says her son told her Andreen's death was an accident.
Jackie Horne: A Mother's Revelation
He looked at me and … he said, "Mom, I'm going to tell you the truth" … and he started to cry.
McDonald then called Andreen's mother and sister, Cindy, who put the call on speaker phone.
Peter Van Sant: Unveiling the Account
[He] … gave the family, for the first time, details of what happened according to him.
Cindy Johnson: Yes, according to him. Yes.
It was a shocking revelation for the defense team when they received a phone call.
Interviewer: Was it surprising to you that he had done this?
Defense Attorney: Surprising is an understatement. The entire context of the case changed.
One of the defense lawyers stated that the best course of action for their client would be to present his side of the story in court.
Before Andre could tell his story, however, the prosecution began with their opening statements.
Prosecutor (in court): Inside the trash bin in the garage... a hammer. That hammer has blood on it. It is the victim's blood.
The defense argued that Andreen's death was an accident.
Defense Attorney (in court): This is not a murder case... it is a case about the degree and level of responsibility... With evidence of accident. A mutual fight. All of which happens in the blink of an eye.
The prosecution also called forensic pathologist Dr. James Feig as a witness. He testified that Andreen's skeletal remains showed severe injuries consistent with being struck by a blunt object. She had a fractured spinal cord, a broken rib, and a split jaw.
However, the pathologist was unable to determine the exact cause of Andreen's death.
In court, Dr. James Feig stated that the cause of death for Andreen McDonald was homicidal violence, including blunt force trauma. The prosecution rested their case after six days of testimony and 33 witnesses, while the defense called only one witness.
John Convery, representing the defense, called Major Andre McDonald to the stand. Andre McDonald recounted the events of February 28, 2019, when he discovered that his wife had started a new business without his knowledge while they were at the tax preparer's office.
When asked about the significance of this revelation, Andre McDonald replied, "Basically that meant to me pretty much that she was robbing me."
Following a heated argument, McDonald left the house to cool off at a gas station. The argument continued over text, and upon his return home, McDonald brought up the possibility of divorce and splitting their business in half.
Andre McDonald testified, "She became extremely irate at the thought of splitting the business and charges into the room to confront me."
ANDRE MCDONALD: So, when she comes into the room, you know, I turned around and she comes like right up in my face. … So at that moment … she spits in my face … So at that point … I grabbed her, because she's like right in front of me, so I like grabbed her head … I think we had like a clash of heads, and I think it opened up like a cut somewhere on her face.
Andre said Andreen ran into the bathroom and turned on the lights. When Andreen saw her bloody face in the mirror, Andre claims she attacked him.
His testimony may be disturbing to some.
ANDRE MCDONALD (in court): When she comes, she's like throwing like some punches, so I'm trying to like duck down to and like keep my head, my face … from getting hit with the blows. I remember like grabbing her and like tripping her … And then she like falls … and that's when I kicked her like twice … The — the second kick, I think I heard like some type of wheezing … and then also like in the background I could hear like some footsteps.
The footsteps of their young daughter, Alayna. Andre said he left to put Alayna back to bed, and when he returned about 30 minutes later, his wife was dead.
ANDRE MCDONALD (in court): I became like pretty frantic at that point because … you know, she's dead on the floor.
STEVEN SPEIR: You never thought I need to call …
In cross-examination, Prosecutor Speir asked if Andre had thought about calling 911.
ANDRE MCDONALD: I never considered reaching out to anyone to bring a deceased person back to life. My main objective at that moment was simply to remove her from the house so that my 7-year-old daughter wouldn't witness her mother lying lifeless on the floor.
After putting Alayna back to bed, Andre confessed to disposing of Andreen's body in a field. He admitted to stripping her naked and returning home to burn her clothing, which resulted in the burn mark in the backyard.
However, the presence of Andreen's blood on the yellow hammer raises doubts about Andre's explanation of an accident.
Andre provided an explanation for this. He testified that after investigators completed their search of his home, he returned to the field before dawn, filled with anger and armed with the yellow hammer, a can of gasoline, and a plan.
ANDRE MCDONALD (in court): My plan was to strike the person who... caused this entire situation.
STEVEN SPEIR: You believed it was her fault, correct?
ANDRE MCDONALD: It is absolutely her fault.
STEVEN SPEIR: What did you do with the gasoline?
ANDRE MCDONALD: I poured it on her and then I used the lighter to set her on fire.
Andre stated that after the flames died down, he proceeded to attack his wife's lifeless body with the yellow hammer.
ANDRE MCDONALD (in court): I struck her in the face, the neck... and I continued to strike her as I walked away.
STEVEN SPEIR: Why the final blow?
ANDRE MCDONALD: As I was walking away?
STEVEN SPEIR: Yes.
ANDRE MCDONALD: I guess I was still angry when I was walking away.
After that gruesome testimony, the defense shifted gears and tried to refocus the jury on their theory of the crime. And for the first time, the defense brought up why Andre acted the way he did that night.
JOHN CONVERY (in court): Have you always believed you acted in self-defense?
ANDRE MCDONALD: Yes, I have always believed that from the very beginning.
The defense played videos showing Andreen giving her husband a piggyback ride and working out.
JOHN CONVERY (in court): Would you describe Andreen as a very strong, powerful woman?
ANDRE MCDONALD: Yes, I would.
According to Andre, his wife could lift up to 300 pounds.
JOHN CONVERY: When she attacked you, were you in fear?
ANDRE MCDONALD: Yes, I was in fear of, you know, being harmed during that whole situation.
STEVEN SPEIR: They want you to forget and disregard about all his actions.
Then came closing arguments.
STEVEN SPEIR (in court): The defense argued that this was an act of self-defense, but I believe it is important to hold this man accountable for his actions. We must find him guilty of murder.
JOHN CONVERY: Andre McDonald did not intentionally or knowingly commit murder. He acted in self-defense. It is your duty to declare him not guilty. Thank you.
After six days of presenting evidence, the jury began their deliberation. After approximately 11 hours, the jury sent a note to the judge.
John Convery: The note says, "we're hopelessly deadlocked."
A SURPRISING VERDICT
After nearly 11 hours of deliberation, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on whether Andre McDonald was guilty of murder, manslaughter, or not guilty by reason of self-defense. Andreen's sister, Cindy Johnson, was confused.
Cindy Johnson: Everything was presented in the courtroom. All the evidence was there. He even confessed on the stand. They saw his demeanor. I don't understand what the problem was.
Brandon Medellin: I voted for murder, and it was a tie, six to six.
Rudy Ruiz: No juror believed he was innocent or that it was self-defense.
For jurors Brandon Medellin and Rudy Ruiz, the issue was with the definitions of murder and recklessness.
The jury of six women and six men spent hours debating whether Andre had intentionally killed Andreen or if it was a reckless act, which would make it manslaughter. Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while murder carries a life sentence.
One juror, Brandon Medellin, believed that whatever happened, it was reckless. Andre left Andreen on the ground without rendering aid. His goal was to convince the other jurors that it was murder.
However, as the deliberations continued, some jurors were swayed, and now nine were in favor of manslaughter. Medellin mentioned that Andre McDonald's testimony played a significant role in swaying the vote.
According to Medellin, there was very little evidence, and since they didn't know anything else except what Andre had told them, many believed they had to consider his account.
Andre was able to convince a significant number of jurors.
Randy Ruiz mentioned that there was one juror who said they had kicked someone before without intending to kill them.
Medellin, Ruiz, and another juror remained firm in their belief that it was murder.
Rudy Ruiz stated that no one was going to change anyone's mind.
The judge then gave an Allen Charge, urging the holdout jurors to reconsider the evidence and reach a unanimous decision. After another hour of deliberations, a verdict was reached.
JUDGE FRANK CASTRO: Mr. McDonald, please stand with your counsel. … To the count of murder, charged in the indictment, the jury finds the defendant, not guilty of the offense of murder. As charged in the indictment: guilty — guilty of the offense of manslaughter.
Andre McDonald was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of the lesser charge: Manslaughter. Andreen's sister was in disbelief.
Cindy Johnson: Manslaughter. After he spoke with no remorse, no love, nothing at all, and used hammer, stripped her clothes, throw gasoline on her, burned her, and they gave him manslaughter … That's crazy. I am going to struggle with this thought until the day I die.
The prosecution had a mixed reaction to the verdict.
Steven Speir: I was disappointed. … However … the jury … rejected his self-defense argument and held him accountable for at least something.
For the defense, Andre McDonald may not have walked out a free man, but —
John Hunter: This is a win. … Despite how I believe that this is a self-defense case. I do respect the outcome.
Andreen's best friend, Mandy Hall.
Mandy Hall (crying): He's there to tell his story. He's there to make up whatever he wants to make up. … She — she doesn't — she can't do that because he took that away from her.
Cindy Johnson now sees that phone call from Andre before the trial in a whole new light: as a calculated ploy to deflect blame.
Cindy Johnson:
It's been four years. It took him four years to acknowledge what he did. And now suddenly, he's reaching out to us, trying to make us believe that he's being responsible. But it's all a lie. He didn't mean anything, he's lying.
After the verdict, Sheriff Salazar made an unusual gesture towards Andreen's father, a retired member of the Jamaican Army.
SHERIFF SALAZAR (post-verdict news conference):
I asked my deputy to remove the handcuffs from Andre as they put him back into the cell. And I presented those cuffs to Mr. Anderson.
PAUL ANDERSON:
I want to tell you that we really appreciate it. Thank you very much. God bless you (shakes the sheriff's hand).
Sheriff Salazar:
I wanted them to feel some sort of connection to at least sending him away to prison.
For Andreen's mother, nothing about this tragedy makes sense. Her daughter and the beautiful life she had created are gone. Andreen McDonald, who came to America, became a successful entrepreneur and found her purpose in serving others. Sadly, the business she created is now closed.
Maureen Smith:
I miss her very much. Most times when I think about her, it's like I feel like giving up.
And in those times, Maureen and Cindy lean on one another.
Cindy Johnson: We are grateful to have each other to support us during this difficult journey. When I feel weak, my mom is strong. When my mom feels weak, I am strong.
Maureen Smith: We need to stay strong for Alayna.
Alayna, who is now 12 years old, is the one holding this broken family together. Despite the absence of Andre's mother, Jackie, who is left with only memories and the pain of what once was.
Jackie Horne (crying while looking at a photo of Andre, Andreen, and Alayna): I think I feel Alayna's pain more than anyone else. No child should ever have to endure what she went through.
Andreen's mother and sister are now raising Alayna.
Cindy Johnson: It's a mix of emotions because we have Alayna with us.
Maureen Smith: Alayna reminds us so much of Andreen.
Andre McDonald has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
He is currently appealing his manslaughter conviction.
