WELLESLEY, MASS. — Janette MacAusland, 49, has been charged with two counts of murder following the deaths of her two children, 6-year-old Ella and 7-year-old Kai, inside their Wellesley home on Friday, April 24. Authorities were alerted to the situation after a welfare check was requested around 9:30 p.m. that evening.
Discovery of the Children’s Bodies
When police arrived at the home on Edgemoor Avenue, they discovered the two children deceased inside. It remains unclear who made the initial welfare check request. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the cause of death or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Arrest and Extradition
MacAusland was arrested in Bennington, Vermont, on a fugitive from justice charge. She is expected to appear in court on Monday before being extradited back to Massachusetts to face murder charges. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s office confirmed the arrest and is continuing to investigate the case.
Custody Battle and Family Background
Reports indicate that MacAusland and her husband, Samuel MacAusland, had been embroiled in a custody battle following their divorce proceedings that began in October 2024. Samuel MacAusland initially filed for divorce, and Janette MacAusland filed a counterclaim in November. A guardian ad litem was appointed just last week to represent the children’s interests in the case.
Neighbors and Former Babysitter’s Reaction
A former babysitter of the family described Kai and Ella as “full of life and laughter” and noted that they were both happy and healthy children. A neighbor also spoke about the family, calling them “nice people,” always “kind and cheerful.”
Janette MacAusland’s Profession
MacAusland worked as an acupuncturist at New England Integrated Health, but as of Sunday afternoon, her profile was removed from the company’s website.
