Cause of Death Revealed for Two Young Siblings Found Dead at Home — Their Mother Faces First-Degree Murder Charges

The deaths of two young siblings found inside their Massachusetts home have been ruled homicides, with medical examiners revealing that the children died from a combination of asphyxia and the effects of multiple drugs.

Kai Prescott MacAusland, 7, and his sister, Ella Brayton MacAusland, 6, were found dead in their home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, on April 24, 2026. Their mother, Janette MacAusland, 49, has been charged in connection with their deaths.

According to the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the children died from mechanical asphyxia and acute intoxication caused by the combined effects of several substances, including zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and lorazepam.

Zolpidem is a prescription sleep medication, while lorazepam is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are widely used pain relievers. Authorities have not suggested that the drugs alone explain the circumstances of the deaths; the medical examiner cited both asphyxia and the combined effects of the substances.

A Disturbing Discovery in Vermont

The investigation began after MacAusland reportedly arrived at a relative’s home in Bennington, Vermont, on April 24 with a serious wound to her neck. Police said she appeared distressed and made statements about her children.

According to investigators, MacAusland allegedly told police that she had strangled the children and then tried to take her own life. Vermont authorities contacted Massachusetts police, who conducted a welfare check at the family’s Wellesley residence and discovered the children’s bodies.

The children were found in a bed inside the home. Investigators believe the deaths occurred before their bodies were discovered, though the case remains subject to court proceedings.

Mother Indicted on Two Counts of First-Degree Murder

On October 19, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted MacAusland on two counts of first-degree murder, moving the case toward proceedings in Massachusetts Superior Court. She had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and remains in custody without bail. Her Superior Court arraignment is scheduled for November 3, 2026. <Cite refs={[“turn417044search0″,”turn417044search2”]}/>

Court records indicate that MacAusland and her estranged husband had been involved in a divorce and custody dispute. In October 2025, her husband filed for divorce and sought custody of their children. The couple had also requested the appointment of a guardian ad litem to assess the children’s best interests shortly before their deaths. <Cite refs={[“turn417044search0″,”turn417044search4”]}/>

The case has deeply affected the Wellesley community, where Kai and Ella attended Schofield Elementary School. As the legal proceedings move forward, investigators’ findings and the evidence presented in court will be central to determining what happened to the siblings.

MacAusland is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source:  PEOPLE