Mother in custody dispute accused of killing her children
Mother in Custody Dispute Accused of Killing Her Children
Arrest Warrant Issued for Massachusetts Woman
Massachusetts State Police issued an arrest warrant Saturday, charging Janette MacAusland, 49, of Wellesley, with two murder counts in the deaths of her children, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella. The woman is currently detained in Vermont, where she will appear in Bennington County Superior Court on Monday under a fugitive from justice charge. Authorities aim to bring her back to Massachusetts for further legal proceedings.
Custody Dispute Timeline
Probate court records reveal that Samuel MacAusland filed for divorce in October after a nine-year marriage and sought custody of the children and their home. Janette MacAusland later submitted a counterclaim, also vying for custody and the property. On April 16, both parties agreed to a neutral third-party review, and a guardian ad litem was appointed by April 21 to assist in determining the children’s care arrangements.
Investigation and School Support
The probe began Friday night when Wellesley Police responded to a well-being check request from Vermont authorities. Upon arriving at the family’s home, officers discovered the children deceased. Schofield Elementary School, where the children were enrolled in kindergarten and second grade, will host counselors on Monday to support the community. In a statement Saturday, Superintendent David Lussier expressed condolences, stating, “This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community,” he added.
“This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community,” he said.
Details about MacAusland’s legal representation were not available Sunday, and attorneys for both parents could not be reached for comment. The case continues to unfold as authorities seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.