A family of four has died in what authorities are investigating as a suspected murder-suicide in Mosman Park, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The incident, discovered on , has sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about support systems for families facing significant challenges.
Police were called to a residence on Mott Close at approximately 8:15 am local time after a carer, scheduled for a routine appointment with the family’s two teenage sons, was unable to make contact. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Jarrod Clune, 50, his partner Maiwenna Goasdoue, 49, and their sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14. A note was found at the scene, reportedly containing the words “don’t enter” and “call police,” leading investigators to believe the deaths were the result of a planned act.
Both Leon and Otis Clune lived with autism. According to reports, the boys attended Christ Church Grammar School, where their father had previously been a prefect. A 2015 newspaper article highlighted the family’s concerns regarding the potential closure of an intensive therapy clinic in East Fremantle specializing in autism services, suggesting a long-standing struggle to access adequate support.
The circumstances surrounding the tragedy have prompted discussion about the pressures faced by families caring for children with disabilities. A friend of the family, speaking to the Daily Mail, suggested the Clunes often felt “isolated, unsupported and abandoned” by various systems, including family, friends, support services, schools, and government programs. The friend indicated chronic sleep deprivation and the challenges of managing the boys’ behaviours during school holidays contributed to a sense of desperation.
Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo of the Western Australia Police stated that there was no prior history of reported family violence involving the Clunes. However, she acknowledged the “tragic and devastating incident” would have a profound impact on the community. Police confirmed that three pets – two dogs and a cat – were also found deceased at the property.
Rosemary Kayess, Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner, cautioned against using the boys’ autism as justification for their deaths. She emphasized that the fact the children required support should not diminish the gravity of the situation or be used to downplay the act of murder.
The investigation is ongoing, but authorities have stated the deaths do not appear to have been violent, and no weapons were used. The discovery of the note has provided a key piece of evidence, though its full contents have not been publicly disclosed.
The tragedy has reignited a debate about the availability of resources and support for families navigating the complexities of autism and other disabilities. Advocates are calling for increased funding, improved access to services, and a more coordinated approach to care. The lack of readily available support, and the potential loss of government funding for disability services, were cited as contributing factors to the family’s isolation.
In 2017, Leon Clune shared his enjoyment of playing in the block corner with friends and exploring by the river in a school report. In 2019, Otis received a “Building Young Men” award, with his teacher praising his warm greeting and independent completion of his morning routine. These glimpses into the boys’ lives offer a poignant reminder of the individual personalities lost in this tragedy.
The incident underscores the critical need for greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by families caring for individuals with disabilities, and the importance of providing comprehensive and accessible support systems to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
