Overview
- Two children, Kai, 7, and Ella, 6, were found dead in their Wellesley home on April 24 and Janette MacAusland has been charged with two counts of first‑degree murder.
- Investigators say MacAusland drove to an aunt’s home in Bennington, Vermont, soon after the deaths, appeared with a neck wound and told relatives and officers she had strangled the children and tried to kill herself.
- At a Sept. 10 probable‑cause hearing the defense asked the court to dismiss the charges or set bail but the judge denied both requests and ordered MacAusland held without bail; the case is next scheduled for Oct. 29.
- MacAusland’s lawyer said she has a history of mental illness and urged prosecutors to reconsider charges in light of public debate over mental‑health defenses, though no formal insanity plea has been announced and prosecutors oppose release.
- Court records show the family was in a divorce and custody dispute with a guardian appointed on April 21, and officials say the medical examiner’s findings could affect indictment timing, possible mental‑health evaluations and prosecutorial strategy.