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Massachusetts State Police issued an arrest warrant Saturday
charging Janette MacAusland, 49, of Wellesley, with two counts
of murder in the deaths of her children, 7-year-old Kai and
6-year-old Ella. MacAusland is being held in Vermont, where she
is expected to appear Monday in Bennington County Superior Court
on a fugitive from justice charge as authorities seek to have
her returned to Massachusetts.
The investigation began Friday night when Wellesley Police
received a call from a Vermont police department requesting a
well-being check on family members at a home in Wellesley.
Police found the children dead.
Probate court records show Samuel MacAusland filed for divorce
in October after nine years of marriage and sought custody of
the children and the home. Janette MacAusland later filed a
counter claim also seeking custody and the home. On April 16,
they filed a joint motion agreeing to have a neutral third party
investigate and make recommendations about custody, and a
guardian was appointed on April 21.
Information about the criminal case, including whether
MacAusland is being represented by an attorney, was not
available Sunday. Attorneys representing both MacAuslands could
not be reached for comment.
The children were in kindergarten and second grade at Schofield
Elementary School, where counselors will be on site Monday to
provide support. In a statement Saturday night, Superintendent
David Lussier asked the community to keep the family in their
thoughts and prayers.
“This is an unimaginable loss that will be deeply felt not just
at Schofield but across our entire community,” he said.
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Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.
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