The husband of a woman found dead in Madison County is now being charged with seven offenses, including murder in the second degree.

Elizabeth Garrow-McDonald, 19, was the mother of a 1-year-old and had another child on the way. Her body was located on September 27, around a half-mile from the Dunkin’ in Canastota where she was last seen.

“She is a daughter, a mother, a sister, a friend who is going to be missed by all,” said Robert Mascari, the chief assistant district attorney in Madison County.

Lizzie’s husband, George McDonald Jr., is accused of murdering her. He was arraigned on seven charges Thursday afternoon and pleaded not guilty to all of them.

Mascari said Lizzie is the latest victim of domestic violence in Madison County.

“It remains something that as a society is still scandalous what happens to people who are made to feel powerless, worthless, and dominated by people that most of us up here can figure out no reason why,” said Mascari. 

Mascari said the last incident of domestic violence is usually not the first.

In this case, about 16 days before her death, McDonald is accused of choking Lizzie. At the time, he was issued an order of protection.

Mascari said holding McDonald in jail was not an option because of the 2020 bail reform laws.

“Through no fault of anybody’s, we live in a world where even if you can ask for bail, it rarely gets set. And I understand that given the law. But we did what we could,” said Mascari. “And what, if I’m doing my math right, about 16 days later, we had proof once again that an order of protection can’t stop people.”

Mascari said McDonald did speak to law enforcement. The statements were not admissions of having committed a homicide, but were helpful to investigators in charging him.

McDonald is now in jail without bail.