Acupuncturist mom had picture-perfect life, “.5M house before it all fell apart – now she’s accused of killing her young kids – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Wellesley, Mass. – A prominent acupuncturist faced two counts of murder after police discovered her two young children dead in the family’s upscale home. Janette MacAusland, 49, had maintained an image of domestic bliss in this affluent Boston suburb, complete with a successful career and a $1.5 million property.[1][2] Authorities charged her following a confession delivered in a distraught state at a relative’s home more than 140 miles away.[3]
A Professional Life and Family Facade
Janette MacAusland built a respected career in acupuncture, serving as director of clinical education at New England Integrated Health in Cambridge. She also worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and had founded Boston Acupuncture Trauma Relief in response to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.[2][4] Her professional profile portrayed a dedicated healer before it vanished from the clinic’s website.
The family resided on Edgemoor Road in Wellesley, a community known for its safety and wealth. Neighbors recalled the children, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella, as lively and well-mannered. A former babysitter described the pair as full of life and laughter, noting that MacAusland shouldered much of the child-rearing and housework.[1][3] From the outside, the household appeared stable, with the children attending Schofield Elementary School.
The Night Everything Unraveled
On the evening of April 24, MacAusland arrived at her aunt Sandra Mattison’s home in Bennington, Vermont, around 9:15 p.m. She banged on windows, hysterical and bleeding from wounds on her neck. Mattison later told police that MacAusland admitted she had killed her children.[1]…