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A Massachusetts acupuncturist has been arrested following the tragic deaths of her two young children amid an ongoing custody dispute.
Janette MacAusland, 49, stands accused of killing her children, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella, whose bodies were discovered in the family’s upscale home in Wellesley, a well-to-do suburb of Boston.
Authorities apprehended MacAusland in Vermont on Friday after she arrived at a relative’s home visibly distressed, with a neck injury and bleeding. Concerned for the children’s welfare, Vermont police contacted Boston officials to perform a welfare check at MacAusland’s residence.
It was during this check that Wellesley officers made the heartbreaking discovery. Details surrounding the cause of the children’s deaths have not yet been released.
Following the discovery, Massachusetts State Police issued arrest warrants charging MacAusland with two counts of murder. She was taken into custody in Vermont on a fugitive-from-justice charge. MacAusland had been listed as an acupuncturist at New England Integrated Health, though her profile has since been removed.
Those who knew the family are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Cole Darrah, who cared for the children as their babysitter, described them as happy and healthy, expressing disbelief over the events. “It doesn’t really feel real at all,” Darrah said, noting that incidents of this nature are rare in Wellesley.
The investigation began when Vermont police were called to check on MacAusland, who appeared highly distressed and injured. During their interaction, officers grew increasingly concerned about the children’s safety and contacted Massachusetts police. Wellesley officers arrived at the home late Friday evening and discovered the children deceased.
David Lussier, superintendent of Schofield Elementary School, where Kai and Ella were students, announced that a crisis team would be available to support the community. “This is an unimaginable loss deeply felt across our entire community,” he said. “We ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.”
While no motive has been officially disclosed, court documents reveal that MacAusland’s husband, Samuel, filed for divorce last October, seeking custody of the children and the family home.
Darrah remembered MacAusland as a devoted mother who cared deeply for her children. “They had very minor disagreements, nothing alarming,” she said.
“She was kind and attentive, making sure the children’s needs were met. It’s heartbreaking to think that these beautiful children will be remembered only for the tragic way their lives ended.”