Janette MacAusland, 49, was arrested after her two children, ages 6 and 7, were discovered dead at the family's Wellesley home. Vermont officers who found her at a relative's residence reported she had a 'major' neck wound and appeared distraught, prompting a welfare check that led to the discovery. MacAusland waived extradition in Vermont and is expected to be returned to Massachusetts to face two counts of murder. The Wellesley community has been offered counseling as officials and former caregivers expressed shock.
Massachusetts Mother Arrested After Two Children Found Dead; Officers Say She Had 'Major' Neck Wound
Janette MacAuslandCredit: Bennington Police Department
Janette MacAusland, 49, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, was taken into custody on Friday, April 24, after authorities say her two young children were found dead inside the family home.
What Happened
Bennington, Vermont, police responded to a wellness check at a relative's home after officers say MacAusland arrived there appearing distraught. Responding officers reported finding her bleeding from what they described as a 'major' wound to her neck. Concern for the children's welfare prompted Bennington police to alert Wellesley authorities, who then discovered the two children inside the family's Wellesley residence.
Victims and Family Background
Local reports identified the siblings as Kai MacAusland, 7, and Ella MacAusland, 6. Cale Darrah, who told The Boston Globe she babysat for the family for about a year through June 2024, described both children as appearing happy and healthy during her time with them.
'Never did I enter the house and feel like there was anything that was extremely off,' Darrah told the newspaper. 'It doesn't really feel real at all.'
Legal Developments
MacAusland appeared in a Vermont courtroom on Monday and signed documents waiving extradition. The court agreed to extradite her to Massachusetts within approximately two weeks, where Norfolk County prosecutors say she is expected to be charged with two counts of murder. Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility records reviewed by People indicate she remained in custody in Rutland, Vermont, as of Monday afternoon.
Wellesley Police Department vehicle
Context and Community Response
MassLive reported that Janette and her husband, Samuel MacAusland, have been involved in divorce and custody proceedings since last October, with both parties filing claims seeking custody of the children and the family home. Samuel MacAusland has not been accused of wrongdoing.
People previously reported that MacAusland practiced acupuncture with New England Integrated Health and worked at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The Wellesley community has been left reeling by the deaths. The Wellesley Police Department said counselors were made available to students at the Wellesley Public School System, where Kai and Ella were enrolled, to provide support and services.
Sources
This account is based on reporting from People, MassLive, Boston 25 News, The Bennington Banner and The Boston Globe.
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