Janette MacAusland of Wellesley, Massachusetts, has been charged with two counts of murder after the bodies of her 6- and 7-year-old children were found during a welfare check on April 25. Massachusetts State Police obtained an arrest warrant and MacAusland is being held in Vermont pending a court appearance on a fugitive charge. A former babysitter said the children appeared happy and healthy, and Wellesley schools have arranged counselors for students while the investigation continues.
Massachusetts Mother Charged After Bodies Of Her 6- And 7-Year-Old Children Found During Welfare Check
Wellesley police vehicleCredit: Massachusetts State Police
Janette MacAusland of Wellesley, Massachusetts, has been charged with two counts of murder after the bodies of her two young children were discovered during a welfare check at the family home, authorities say.
What Happened
On April 25, the Norfolk District Attorney's Office said Massachusetts State Police obtained an arrest warrant for MacAusland. The DA's office has charged her with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of the children, who were 6 and 7 years old.
Victims And Community Reaction
Local reports identified the children as Ella and Kai MacAusland. A former babysitter, Cale Darrah, who said they cared for the children for about a year through June 2024, described Ella as “an absolute angel” and said both children appeared happy and healthy when in their care.
Wellesley police vehicleCredit: Wellesley Police Department
“Never did I enter the house and feel like there was anything that was extremely off,” Darrah told The Boston Globe.
Investigation And Legal Status
Media accounts have reported the mother's age inconsistently (listed as 48 or 49 in different outlets). According to reporting, MacAusland is listed as an acupuncturist with New England Integrated Health and is reportedly associated with Massachusetts General Hospital on that practice’s website. Police have provided few additional public details as the investigation remains active.
MacAusland is currently being held in Vermont and is scheduled to appear in Bennington County Superior Court on a fugitive-from-justice charge. Authorities said Wellesley police are coordinating with Vermont State Police to arrange her transport to Massachusetts to face the murder charges.
Support For The School Community
The District Attorney's Office noted the children were students in the Wellesley Public School System. Counselors were scheduled to be on site to support students and staff while authorities continue their investigation.
Note: This is a developing story. Local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have said they will provide additional information as it becomes available.
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