Massachusetts Mother Indicted for Murder of Two Children

Coroners have revealed that two young children, Ella and Kai MacAusland, who were allegedly killed by their acupuncturist mother in Massachusetts, died from a combination of mechanical asphyxia and intoxication by several substances. The official causes of death were disclosed Wednesday, following the indictment of their mother, Janette MacAusland, on first-degree murder charges.

According to the Boston Globe, the children's deaths stemmed from "combined effects of substances including zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lorazepam," along with mechanical asphyxia. Zolpidem is a medication typically prescribed for insomnia, while lorazepam is used to treat anxiety.

Ella, 6, and Kai, 7, were found deceased in their Wellesley home in April. Their mother, Janette MacAusland, 49, was indicted on murder charges just two days prior to the release of the coroner's findings. Court documents indicate MacAusland was involved in a contentious custody dispute with her ex-husband at the time of the children's deaths.

Following the alleged murders, MacAusland is reported to have fled to her aunt's residence in Bennington, Vermont, approximately 140 miles away. According to WCAX, citing court documents, she arrived at her aunt's home in a distressed state, with blood on her clothing and a gash on her neck. Her aunt told police that MacAusland confessed to killing her children and stated she had attempted to jump off a bridge.

Authorities were called to the Bennington property, where MacAusland allegedly admitted to the killings. "I strangled them and then I tried to kill myself," she reportedly told police, according to court documents.

MacAusland is currently being held without bail at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee. Her arraignment is scheduled for November 3 at Norfolk Superior Court. If convicted of first-degree murder, she faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment without parole. A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf during her initial arraignment in May at Dedham District Court.