A Massachusetts woman involved in a bitter custody battle over her two young children has been accused of killing them in their home, according to authorities and court documents.
Arrest and Charges
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, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella. MacAusland is currently being held in Vermont, where she is expected to appear in Bennington County Superior Court on Monday on a fugitive from justice charge as authorities work to extradite her to Massachusetts.
Discovery of the Bodies
The investigation began on Friday night when Wellesley Police received a call from a Vermont police department requesting a well-being check on family members at a home in Wellesley. Upon arrival, officers found the children deceased.
Background of Custody Battle
Probate court records reveal that Samuel MacAusland filed for divorce in October after nine years of marriage, seeking custody of the children and the home. Janette MacAusland later filed a counterclaim also seeking custody and the home. On April 16, the couple filed a joint motion agreeing to have a neutral third party investigate and make recommendations regarding custody. A guardian was appointed on April 21.
Legal Representation
Information about the criminal case, including whether MacAusland has an attorney, was not available on Sunday. Attorneys representing both MacAuslands could not be reached for comment.
Community Response
The children were students at Schofield Elementary School, attending kindergarten and second grade. Counselors will be on site Monday to provide support to students and staff. In a statement Saturday night, Superintendent David Lussier asked the community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers. "This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community," he said.
