Murder With My Husband – Episode 295: The Murder of Andreen McDonald

Date: November 17, 2025
Hosts: Peyton Moreland (true crime enthusiast), Garrett Moreland (reluctant participant)
Theme: The murder of Andreen McDonald, a successful Jamaican-American businesswoman in San Antonio, Texas, and the investigation, trial, and aftermath for her husband Andre.

Overview

In this episode, Peyton and Garrett Moreland dive into the tragic case of Andreen McDonald—a hard-working immigrant who built a life and business in the U.S., only to disappear under suspicious circumstances. The episode explores the dynamics of her marriage to Air Force major Andre McDonald, the extensive investigation following her disappearance, the evidence that unraveled the truth, and the heartbreaking ripple effects for their daughter and families.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andreen’s Background and Success

• Early Life: Born 1989, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Ambitious, focused on education, dreamed of moving to the U.S. and running a business.

• Meeting Andre: At 19, met U.S. Air Force Captain Andre McDonald when he returned to Jamaica for a funeral. Married shortly thereafter (July 2009) and relocated to San Antonio, Texas.

• American Dream: Attended University of Texas San Antonio, started Starlight Homes Assisted Living at just 22, growing it to a multimillion-dollar company.

  “She was just 22 years old, and since she'd come from pretty humble beginnings, finding the money to start this business was going to be the biggest hurdle.” – Peyton (06:37)

2. Marital Dynamics & Family Life

• Partnership: Starlight Homes co-owned 50/50; Andreen handled daily operations, Andre remained focused on his Air Force career.
• Parenthood: Their daughter Elena was diagnosed with autism, a challenge that added stress but was seemingly handled with strength—at least outwardly.
• Strains: Despite public appearances, cracks existed: business tensions, hidden finances, and emerging allegations of domestic abuse.

3. Disappearance – March 2019

• The Morning Of: On March 1, 2019, Andreen failed to show at work or the gym (her daily ritual), prompting concern from staff, family, and eventually police. Her phone, purse, keys, and car were all left at home (12:02), along with ominous signs of foul play.

  “There's also blood stains and hair on the light switch of the couple's bathroom... a shovel, two gas cans concealed in trash bags, a torn receipt from a Lowe's hardware store, a hammer in the trash can…” – Peyton (12:02)

• Andre’s Behavior: Claimed to search for Andreen, made a questionable hospital visit without checking on a patient named “McDonald,” told police about an argument but downplayed the tension.

  “He leaves the front desk, doesn't go to room three, goes back out to his car and drives back home without going in to check if that McDonald is his wife.” – Peyton (10:33)

  “There's no way. If you were to take 100 people and ask them what they would do, I promise you every single one would say, I would be running to that room...” – Garrett (11:07)

4. The Investigation

• Suspicion: Andre was immediately suspicious—not just because of his behavior, but due to his admitted fight with Andreen and discovery of evidence at home.

• Police Strategy: Despite video confirming Andre’s whereabouts at times, police dug into motives—financial conflict, infidelity, past violence.

  “Apparently, Andre felt like Andreen was trying to secretly swirl away some earnings for herself into this new business account, even though the two were married.” – Peyton (18:04)

• Domestic Abuse & Infidelity: Evidence of concealed finances, secret tattoos commemorating her former lover (20:15), Andreen warning friends of Andre if “anything happened to her” (22:00), and physical fights witnessed by others.

  “Apparently, she also told a friend ... that if anything were to happen to her, it would be because of Andre.” – Peyton (21:41)

5. Escalation: Evidence, Arrest, and Search

• Andre’s Purchases: Footage confirmed Andre buying items at Lowe’s (hatchet, trash bags, axe, gas cans) on March 1—classic “kill kit” (24:13).
• Evidence Found: Bloodied hammer matching Andreen’s DNA, blood-stained clothing, and more at home.
• Initial Charges: Arrested for evidence tampering (torn Lowe’s receipt) but released on $300,000 bail.

6. The Search and Discovery

• Community & Law Enforcement Effort: Massive search parties, reward offerings, and ongoing hope from family and friends.
• Discovery of Remains: On July 11, 2019—133 days later—a ranch hand found Andreen’s burned, buried body six miles from her home (36:59). Identification was confirmed via dental records and a distinctive cross tattoo.

7. Trial and Testimony

• Andre’s Account: At trial, Andre claimed self-defense, that Andreen attacked him after heated arguments (38:44). Asserted she died from blunt injuries while defending himself, then disposed of her body out of panic.

• Contradictions: No 911 call, evidence of premeditation and cover-up, timeline issues with purchase of disposal materials.

• Verdict: Found guilty of manslaughter (not murder); sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter and 5 years for evidence tampering.

  “The jury returned with a verdict finding Andre McDonald, the Air Force major, guilty of manslaughter. He was given the maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars and given an additional five years for tampering with evidence.” – Peyton (41:47)

8. Aftermath and Ripple Effects

• Civil Suit: Andreen’s estate awarded $210 million in damages; her parents gained custody of their granddaughter (42:18).

• Generational Tragedy: Revealed Andre’s father in Jamaica was also convicted of murdering his ex-wife and plotting to kill his current one (43:12).

  “The apple does not fall far from the tree, does it?” – Garrett (43:07)

• Heartbreak for Elena: Their daughter, Elena, wrote a letter to her father, read at trial—

  “‘You killed my mother. You took away my life, and you broke my heart. You hurt my feelings. You will pay for what you did. You’ll be punished forever.’” – Peyton, reading Elena’s letter (43:47)

• Ongoing Support: Elena has received help from Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach (43:53).

Memorable Quotes

• On the tragedy of the case:

  “During Andre's sentencing hearing, his daughter wrote him a letter ... 'You killed my mother. You took away my life, and you broke my heart. You hurt my feelings. You'll pay for what you did. You'll be punished forever.'” – Peyton (43:49)

• On family violence and generational trauma:

  “The apple does not fall far from the tree, does it?” – Garrett (43:07)

• On the evidence and Andre’s presumption of innocence:

  “He was given the maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars and given an additional five years for tampering with evidence.” – Peyton (41:47)

Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment & Content | |-----------|-------------------| | 02:10 | Andreen's early life, meeting Andre, and move to the U.S. | | 06:33 | Launch of Starlight Homes and Andre's support | | 08:52 | Andreen’s disappearance and discovery of irregularities | | 12:02 | Police first enter the McDonald home and find evidence | | 18:04 | Investigation into marital trouble, finances, infidelity | | 22:00 | Domestic abuse, friends’ warnings, and Andre’s motive | | 24:13 | Lowe’s footage: Andre buys suspect items (“kill kit”) | | 25:44 | Police gather evidence: tools, blood-stained clothing | | 36:59 | Andreen's remains found after 133 days missing | | 38:43 | Andre's self-defense account presented at trial | | 41:47 | Manslaughter conviction, sentencing | | 42:18 | Civil suit, asset disposition, and generational crime | | 43:49 | Emotional letter from Elena, Andreen and Andre's daughter |

Conclusion

This episode powerfully illustrates the tragic collision of ambition, domestic strife, and violence. Peyton guides listeners through Andreen’s inspiring yet ultimately tragic story, while Garrett offers grounded, occasionally incredulous commentary on the evidence and justice system. The case concludes with a sobering look at the intergenerational nature of violence and the long-term impact on children, spotlighting the importance of community support and advocacy in the aftermath of such tragedies.

Resources:

• Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach
• For further details and updates, visit the podcast's episode page.