WELLESLEY, MASS. — A 48-year-old Massachusetts woman, Janette MacAusland, is facing two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of her 6-year-old and 7-year-old children. The charges were announced on Saturday, April 25, by the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
Discovery of the Children’s Bodies
The charges come after Massachusetts State Police conducted a welfare check at a home on Edgemoor Avenue in Wellesley, where they found the two children deceased. Authorities have not yet released further details on the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths.
Former Babysitter’s Reaction
The children, identified as Ella and Kai MacAusland, were known to Cale Darrah, who served as the family’s babysitter for nearly a year. Darrah described the children as happy and healthy, with Ella being “an absolute angel” who had an outgoing and sweet personality.
Darrah expressed disbelief at the news, especially given the reputation of Wellesley, a town known for its safety and calm. “Never did I enter the house and feel like there was anything that was extremely off,” Darrah said. “It doesn’t really feel real at all.”
Janette MacAusland’s Background
MacAusland is listed as an acupuncturist with New England Integrated Health and is also associated with Mass General Hospital. Authorities have not disclosed the motive for the alleged killings.
Community Impact and Support
The children were students in the Wellesley Public School System, and counselors will be available to students and staff for support, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The news has shocked the local community, where such incidents are rare.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
MacAusland is currently being held in Vermont on a fugitive from justice charge. She is scheduled to appear in Bennington County Superior Court on Monday, where she will face extradition to Massachusetts for the murder charges. Police in Wellesley are coordinating with Vermont State Police to ensure MacAusland is brought back to Massachusetts.
