Acupuncturist Mother Breaks Down in Court as She Denies Killing Her Two Children Amid Bitter Divorce

An acupuncturist accused of killing her two young children broke down in tears as she appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.

Janette MacAusland, 49, appeared before Norfolk Superior Court in Massachusetts on November 3, following her indictment last month over the deaths of her children, Kai, seven, and Ella, six.

The mother from Wellesley is accused of killing the siblings at the family’s home in April, during a bitter divorce and custody dispute with her estranged husband, Samuel MacAusland.

According to court records, Samuel filed for divorce in October 2025 and sought custody of the children. The couple were also involved in disagreements over their family home, reportedly valued at approximately $1.5 million.

A court-appointed guardian had been expected to examine custody and parenting arrangements shortly before the children’s deaths.

Prosecutors allege that MacAusland killed the children at their home on or around April 22 before travelling to her aunt’s property in Bennington, Vermont. Authorities were alerted after she arrived appearing extremely distressed and with an injury to her neck.

According to police accounts, she allegedly told her aunt that she had killed the children and had also attempted to take her own life. A subsequent welfare check at the family home led officers to discover Kai and Ella dead.

The medical examiner later determined that the children died from mechanical asphyxia and the combined effects of several substances, including zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and lorazepam.

During the latest court appearance, MacAusland’s attorney, Joseph Krowski Jr., described his client as emotionally devastated and referred to her history of mental health conditions and treatment. He also emphasized that she had spent much of her life working as a healer and caregiver.

The judge ordered MacAusland to remain in custody without bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 16.

Before the tragedy, MacAusland worked as an acupuncturist and had been involved in community health initiatives. Friends and former caregivers previously described her as devoted to her children, while those who knew the family expressed shock over what happened.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of the children’s young ages and the contentious family circumstances surrounding their deaths. MacAusland has denied the murder charges, and the allegations will be examined through the court proceedings.

Source: DAILYMAIL