Court records show that a judge in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court appointed a legal guardian for two children in Wellesley one day before their deaths, as part of a contentious divorce and custody dispute between their parents.
The filings outline an ongoing case between Janette MacAusland and her estranged husband, Samuel MacAusland, who had sought sole custody after filing for divorce in October. Both parents requested that a court-appointed professional evaluate custody and parenting arrangements, prompting an investigation that included interviews and a review of the family’s circumstances.
Based on those findings, the court appointed psychologist Dr. Dante Spetter to serve as guardian for the children, 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella. The appointment came one day before their deaths, according to the records.
The documents indicate the children were dead by April 22, several days before authorities discovered their bodies at the family’s home. The discovery followed MacAusland’s trip to Bennington, where she allegedly told a relative the children were dead.
Investigators allege that MacAusland strangled the children. She was taken into custody in Vermont and is being held at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility on a fugitive from justice charge as Massachusetts authorities pursue extradition. She faces two counts of first-degree murder.
Court filings do not explain why custody was not awarded to either parent prior to the guardian’s appointment. The case remains under investigation.
