Massachusetts Mother Indicted for First-Degree Murder After Two Young Children Were Found Dead at Home

A Massachusetts mother accused of killing her two young children during a bitter divorce and custody dispute has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder, months after the siblings were discovered dead inside their family home.

Janette MacAusland, 49, of Wellesley, was indicted by a Norfolk County grand jury on October 19 in connection with the deaths of her children, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella.

The children were found inside the family’s home on Edgemoor Avenue on April 24, 2026, after police received a request from authorities in Vermont to conduct a welfare check.

The investigation began after MacAusland reportedly arrived at a relative’s home in Bennington, Vermont, appearing extremely distressed and suffering from a serious wound to her neck.

According to police accounts cited in court reporting, MacAusland’s aunt told investigators that the mother had made a shocking admission about what had happened to her children.

An account contained in a police report obtained by local media says MacAusland allegedly told her aunt that she had killed the children. She was also reported to have said that she had wanted the three of them to die together, but that her own suicide attempt had failed.

When Vermont officers questioned her, she allegedly said she had strangled the children before attempting to take her own life.

Following the encounter, Vermont authorities contacted police in Wellesley, who went to the family home and discovered the two children dead.

The case took a significant turn in October when the medical examiner’s findings provided further information about the deaths.

According to the findings reported by NBC Boston, the children’s deaths involved mechanical asphyxia and acute intoxication. Four substances were identified in their systems: zolpidem, a prescription sleep medication; lorazepam, a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety; acetaminophen; and ibuprofen.

The medical findings have added another serious dimension to the prosecution’s case. However, the precise circumstances and sequence of events remain matters for the court proceedings.

MacAusland’s arrest came amid an ongoing divorce and custody dispute with the children’s father, Samuel MacAusland.

Court records show that Samuel filed for divorce in October 2025 after nine years of marriage, seeking custody of the children and the family home. Janette subsequently filed a counterclaim seeking custody and the home as well.

In April 2026, the couple agreed to have a neutral third party investigate and make recommendations regarding custody. A guardian was appointed for the children shortly before their deaths.

MacAusland, who worked as an acupuncturist, had also been associated with New England Integrated Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, according to previous reporting.

Her attorney has described her as someone with a long history of mental health conditions and treatment. The defense has indicated that her mental health may be an important part of the case.

On November 3, MacAusland appeared in Norfolk Superior Court and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. She was ordered held without bail.

The indictment moves the case into a more advanced stage of the criminal process, but it does not establish guilt. Prosecutors will still have to prove the charges in court.

The deaths of Kai and Ella have deeply affected the Wellesley community. Their former babysitter described the children as happy and well cared for, remembering Ella as outgoing and Kai as a quieter child who loved reading and spending time outdoors.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case raises painful questions about a family tragedy that unfolded during an already difficult custody dispute.

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