A mother in Wellesley, Massachusetts, has been charged with the murders of her two young children, Ella, 6, and Kai, 7. The tragic deaths come as reports indicate that Janette MacAusland, 49, was engaged in a bitter custody battle with her estranged husband, Samuel MacAusland.
The Discovery of the Children’s Bodies
On Friday evening, around 9:30 p.m., authorities responded to a welfare check at a home on Edgemoor Avenue in Wellesley after a call was made expressing concern about the family. When police arrived, they discovered the two deceased children inside the home. It has not yet been disclosed who placed the welfare check request, but the finding led to an immediate investigation.
Arrest and Extradition
Janette MacAusland was arrested in Bennington, Vermont, and is facing a fugitive from justice charge. She is expected to appear in court soon for an extradition hearing to return to Massachusetts, where she will face charges of two counts of murder for the deaths of her children.
Custody Battle and Divorce Proceedings
Janette and Samuel MacAusland had been in the midst of a contentious custody battle since their divorce proceedings began in October. Samuel MacAusland initially filed for divorce, and Janette MacAusland filed a counterclaim in November.
Just days before the children’s deaths, a guardian ad litem had been appointed to represent the children’s best interests during the ongoing case. The custody dispute reportedly escalated around the time of the children’s tragic deaths.
Remembering Ella and Kai
A former babysitter of the children described them as “full of life and laughter,” and a neighbor described the family as “nice people … always kind, always cheerful.” The sudden deaths of Ella and Kai have left the community in shock and mourning.
Janette MacAusland’s Profession and Current Status
Janette MacAusland was listed as an acupuncturist at New England Integrated Health. However, by Sunday afternoon, her profile had been removed from the company’s website.
The investigation into the deaths of Ella and Kai MacAusland is ongoing, and authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.
