Massachusetts woman accused of killing her children amid custody dispute

A Massachusetts woman who sought custody of her two young children through a divorce is accused of killing them in her home, according to authorities and court records.

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 and is expected to appear in Bennington County Superior Court on Monday as a fugitive from justice charge because authorities want him extradited back to Massachusetts.

The investigation began Friday night when Wellesley Police received a call from the Vermont police department requesting a welfare 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 home. Janette MacAusland later filed a countersuit, also seeking custody and housing. On April 16, they filed a joint motion in which they agreed that a neutral third party would investigate and make recommendations regarding custody, and a guardian was appointed on April 21.

Information about MacAusland’s criminal case, including whether he was represented by an attorney, was not available Sunday. Lawyers 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 only at Schofield but throughout our community,” he said.

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Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.