Boston: A Massachusetts woman who was seeking custody of her two young children during divorce proceedings is accused of killing them in their home, according to authorities and court records.
Massachusetts State Police issued an arrest warrant on Saturday charging Janette MacAusland, 49, of Wellesley, with two counts of murder in the deaths of her children, Kai, 7, and Ella, 6. MacAusland is currently being held in Vermont and is expected to appear Monday in Bennington County Superior Court on a fugitive from justice charge, as authorities work to return her to Massachusetts.
The investigation began Friday night when Wellesley police received a request from a Vermont police department to conduct a well‑being check at the family’s residence. When officers arrived, they found the children dead inside the home.
Probate court records show that Samuel MacAusland filed for divorce in October after nine years of marriage and sought custody of the children and possession of the family home. Janette MacAusland later filed a counterclaim also seeking custody and the home. On April 16, the couple filed a joint motion agreeing to allow a neutral third party to investigate and make custody recommendations, and a guardian ad litem was appointed on April 21.
As of Sunday, information about the criminal case, including whether Janette MacAusland is represented by an attorney, was not available. Attorneys representing both parents could not be reached for comment.
The children attended Schofield Elementary School, where they were enrolled in kindergarten and second grade. School officials said counselors would be available on Monday to support students and staff.
“This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community,” Superintendent David Lussier said in a statement, asking the community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
