By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First
A Wellesley, Mass. mother, who is charged with killing her two young children, was highly distraught when she arrived at a relative’s home in Bennington on Friday night, Bennington Police said Sunday.
The Bennington Police investigation led to Janette R. MacAusland, 49, being charged with two counts of homicide in Norfolk County, Mass. on Saturday.
Bennington Police said they were contacted about 9:15 Friday night and officers became concerned about the well being of MacAusland’s two children.
Wellesley, Mass. Police were contacted and asked to check on the two children, ages 6 and 7 years-old, at a residence at 63 Edgemoor Avenue in the prosperous town.
The two children were found dead inside the residence, police said.
Bennington Police Department subsequently began further assisting Massachusetts law enforcement authorities in their investigation into the deaths.
Bennington Police reportedly obtained search warrants as part of the homicide investigation to help the Wellesley Police. They also are working with the office of Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office announced an arrest warrant for MacAusland had been obtained a few hours after Vermont News First had initially reported Bennington Police had jailed her as a fugitive from justice for two counts of homicide in Wellesley, Mass.
MacAusland had a major neck wound and was bleeding when officers had initial contact, Bennington Police said.
MacAusland is believed to have been raised in Bennington County.
Bennington Police did not identify the relative that MacAusland stopped to visit or their relationship. Bennington officers tried to converse with her.
“Officers attempted to engage her in conversation and, during the interaction, became increasingly concerned for the welfare of her children,” Bennington Police said Sunday.
MacAusland is jailed without bail at Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland. Her scheduled court arraignment on the fugitive charge Monday has been moved from Bennington to Rutland.
She could agree in court to return voluntarily to Massachusetts, or she could contest her removal.
Bennington Police were assisted by the Bennington Rescue Squad, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and United Counseling Service.
Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey’s Office said in a news release over the weekend that Massachusetts State Police and Wellesley Police Department are working closely with the Vermont State Police to ultimately have the defendant transported to Massachusetts to answer to the murder charges.
However Vermont State Police said Sunday the department is not involved in the MacAusland case and it was Bennington Police responsible for the investigation and homicide charges.
The Wellesley Public School System said the children were in second grade and kindergarten. The School District said it plans to have counselors on site on Monday to provide support and services.