Wellesley Mother Faces Murder Charges in Tragic Deaths of Two Young Children
- Janette MacAusland, 49, appeared virtually in a Vermont courtroom on April 27, 2026, where she waived her right to challenge extradition to Massachusetts.
- Bennington Police in Vermont reported receiving a call around 9:15 p.m.
- During their interaction, Vermont officers became concerned for the welfare of the children and requested that the Wellesley Police Department conduct a well-being check.
Janette MacAusland, 49, appeared virtually in a Vermont courtroom on April 27, 2026, where she waived her right to challenge extradition to Massachusetts. MacAusland, a resident of Wellesley, is accused of murdering her two young children, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella MacAusland.
The investigation began on April 24, 2026. Bennington Police in Vermont reported receiving a call around 9:15 p.m. That evening after MacAusland arrived at a family home appearing highly distraught
and with a visible wound on her neck.
During their interaction, Vermont officers became concerned for the welfare of the children and requested that the Wellesley Police Department conduct a well-being check. At approximately 9:50 p.m. On April 24, Wellesley police discovered the two children dead inside the family residence on Edgemoor Avenue.
Custody Dispute
Court records reveal that MacAusland had been involved in a contentious divorce and custody battle since October. Samuel MacAusland filed for divorce after nine years of marriage, seeking custody of the children and the family home. Janette MacAusland subsequently filed a counterclaim seeking the same.
On April 16, 2026, the parties filed a joint motion agreeing to have a neutral third party investigate the situation and make custody recommendations. A guardian was appointed on April 21, 2026.
Legal Proceedings
Massachusetts State Police issued an arrest warrant for MacAusland on April 25, 2026, charging her with two counts of murder. She was held in Vermont pending her appearance in Bennington County Superior Court on April 27 on a fugitive from justice charge.
She’s decided that the best thing is to get back to Massachusetts as soon as possible and address these charges
Attorney for Janette MacAusland
Kai and Ella were students in second grade and kindergarten at Schofield Elementary School. Superintendent David Lussier issued a statement on April 25 asking the community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers. School counselors were on site on April 27 to provide support to students and staff.