Janette MacAusland, 49, was arrested in Vermont in April after authorities say she killed her two children, Ella, 6, and Kai, 7, at their Wellesley, Massachusetts home.
Funeral and Community Remembrance
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church held a funeral service for the siblings on May 16. The community had previously held a vigil in their honor. Family, friends, and neighbors remembered the children as happy, healthy, and full of life.
The Children’s Personalities
Former babysitter Cale Darrah shared memories of the siblings with NBC 10 Boston. Ella was outgoing, confident, and loved the color purple, while Kai was sweet, shy, and enjoyed books about planes, trains, and trucks. Both loved riding their scooters and spending time outdoors. Darrah emphasized the importance of remembering their personalities, not just the tragic circumstances of their deaths.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
MacAusland pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder during a court appearance on May 6. Police reported that she allegedly admitted to killing her children before attempting suicide by stabbing herself and intending to jump off a bridge. She later appeared at her aunt’s house in Vermont with a neck wound, saying, “I wanted the three of us to go to God together, but it didn’t work.”
Background
At the time of the alleged killings, MacAusland was involved in a custody dispute with her estranged husband, Samuel. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
