Mother Charged With Double Murder in Massachusetts Children’s Deaths

WELLESLEY, Mass. — A Massachusetts mother has been charged with two counts of murder after her two young children were found dead inside their family home last week, authorities confirmed. Janette MacAusland, 49, is currently being held in Vermont following her arrest on a fugitive-from-justice charge and is expected to be extradited to Massachusetts to face the murder charges.

Children Found Dead in Wellesley Home

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against MacAusland on Saturday, April 25, 2026, following the discovery of the bodies of her two children, ages 6 and 7, inside their home on Edgemoor Avenue in Wellesley. The children, who have not been publicly identified, were students at Schofield Elementary School in the Wellesley public school system.

According to the district attorney, Wellesley police received a call for a wellness check around 9:30 p.m. On Friday, April 24. The request originated from the Bennington Police Department in Vermont, which had been conducting its own investigation after MacAusland was found in Bennington earlier that evening. Bennington police reported that MacAusland arrived at a family home “appearing highly distraught” and was bleeding from her neck, though the circumstances surrounding her injuries remain unclear.

When Wellesley police arrived at the Edgemoor Avenue residence, they discovered the two children deceased inside the home. The exact cause of death has not been released, and authorities have not provided further details about the condition of the children or the scene.

Custody Battle Preceded the Tragedy

Court records reveal that MacAusland and her husband, Samuel MacAusland, had been engaged in a contentious custody dispute since October 2025, when Samuel filed for divorce after nine years of marriage. Both parents sought custody of the children and ownership of the family home. In November 2025, Janette MacAusland filed a counterclaim, further escalating the legal battle.

On April 16, 2026, the couple filed a joint motion agreeing to appoint a neutral third party to investigate and make recommendations regarding custody. A guardian ad litem was formally appointed on April 21 to represent the children’s best interests in the proceedings. The timing of the children’s deaths, just days after the guardian’s appointment, has raised questions about the potential role of the custody dispute in the tragedy.

A former babysitter for the family, who spoke to Boston Fox affiliate WFXT on condition of anonymity, described the children as “full of life and laughter.” A neighbor also told the station that the family appeared to be “nice people… always kind, always cheerful.”

Community in Shock, School District Responds

The deaths of the two children have sent shockwaves through the Wellesley community, particularly among students, parents, and staff at Schofield Elementary School, where the children were enrolled. In a statement issued on Sunday, Wellesley Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Lussier called the loss “unimaginable” and said it would be “deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community.”

“This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just at Schofield but across our entire community. Our crisis team is planning support for students, staff, and families as we prepare for the reopening of school on Monday.”

Dr. David Lussier, Wellesley Superintendent of Schools

The school district has activated its crisis response team to provide support for students and staff when classes resume. Counselors and mental health professionals will be available to assist those affected by the tragedy.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

MacAusland is currently being held at a correctional facility in Vermont and is scheduled to appear in Rutland Superior Court on Monday, April 27, to face the fugitive-from-justice charge. Massachusetts authorities are working to secure her extradition to Norfolk County, where she will be formally arraigned on the two murder charges.

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office has not released additional details about the investigation, including whether any weapons were involved or what evidence was found at the scene. The office has also not commented on a potential motive, though the ongoing custody dispute remains a focus of public speculation.

Janette MacAusland was previously employed as an acupuncturist at New England Integrated Health, according to reporting by The Boston Globe. It is unclear whether her professional background played any role in the events leading to the children’s deaths.

Support Resources

For those affected by this tragedy, the following resources are available:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7)
• The Samaritans Helpline: (877) 870-4673 (HOPE)
• The Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
• Wellesley Public Schools Crisis Support: Contact the district office at (781) 446-6210