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Mom Indicted in Children's Deaths: Drugs Cited
22 Oct
Summary
- Children died from mechanical asphyxia and drug intoxication.
- Mother faces two first-degree murder charges for the deaths.
- Divorce proceedings were ongoing at the time of the incident.
The state medical examiner's office has determined that the deaths of six-year-old Ella MacAusland and seven-year-old Kai MacAusland were caused by mechanical asphyxia and acute intoxication from a mix of drugs. The substances identified include zolpidem (Ambien), acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lorazepam (Ativan).
These findings emerged two days after their mother, Janette MacAusland, 49, was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder by a Norfolk County grand jury. Authorities allege she killed the children around April 22, 2026, before traveling to Vermont.
In Vermont, MacAusland reportedly confessed to her aunt that she had killed the children. Police discovered the children deceased in their Wellesley home on April 24, 2026, following a welfare check requested by Vermont authorities. MacAusland allegedly told investigators she strangled them and attempted suicide, expressing a desire for them to "go to God together."
When taken into custody, MacAusland had a severe neck wound and had also attempted to jump from the Quechee Gorge Bridge. The tragic events occurred during a contentious divorce between MacAusland and the children's father, who had sought full custody. A court-appointed guardian was assigned to represent the children's best interests, with a follow-up court date scheduled for May 5, 2026.
MacAusland pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in Dedham District Court and is currently held without bail. Her arraignment in Norfolk Superior Court is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
