Janette MacAusland, 49, was arrested in Vermont after her children — ages 6 and 7 — were found dead Friday night at the family’s Wellesley home
A Wellesley, Massachusetts mother has been charged with two counts of murder after her young children were found dead in the family home late Friday night, police announced. Janette R. MacAusland, 49, was arrested in Bennington, Vermont, where she had arrived at a relative’s home visibly injured and in acute distress — prompting officers to check on her children miles away.
The children — 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella — were students at Schofield Elementary School in Wellesley. Their deaths have devastated the local community and school district.
MacAusland is being held without bail pending an arraignment Monday, authorities said.
How the Discovery Unfolded
At approximately 9:15 p.m. Friday, Bennington police were called to conduct a welfare check after MacAusland arrived at a family residence in the area. Officers found her highly distraught, bleeding, and bearing a visible neck injury.
As Bennington officers attempted to speak with her, their concern for the children grew. They contacted Wellesley police and requested a welfare check at the family’s Massachusetts home. Shortly before 10 p.m., Wellesley authorities confirmed the children had been found dead.
MacAusland was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice. Massachusetts authorities subsequently issued a murder warrant for her arrest.
A Divorce and Custody Dispute in the Background
Probate court records reveal the couple had been locked in a contentious divorce and custody battle. Samuel MacAusland filed for divorce in October, after nine years of marriage, seeking both custody of the children and possession of the family home.
Janette MacAusland filed a counterclaim, also seeking custody and the home. On April 16, both parties jointly agreed to have a neutral third party investigate and make custody recommendations. A guardian was formally appointed just days later, on April 21.
A Community in Mourning
Kai and Ella were enrolled in second grade and kindergarten, respectively, at Schofield Elementary. School counselors were scheduled to be on site Monday to support students and staff.
In a statement issued Saturday night, Superintendent David Lussier called on the community to grieve together.
“This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community,” Lussier said.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.