Acupuncturist mom accused of killing her kids made horrifying admission amid messy divorce

Key Points:

• Janette MacAusland, a Massachusetts acupuncturist, confessed to strangling her two young children, ages 7 and 6, during a contentious divorce and then attempting suicide, according to police reports.
• After killing the children in their Wellesley home, MacAusland fled to her aunt’s house in Vermont, where she appeared distressed and admitted her actions to family and police.
• Authorities found the children deceased at the home following a welfare check prompted by MacAusland’s confession and concern for their safety.
• MacAusland has been charged with two counts of murder in Massachusetts and is currently held in Vermont facing extradition; the family was in the midst of a custody battle with a guardian recently appointed.
• Friends and the children’s former babysitter described the kids as lively and well cared for, and noted that MacAusland appeared to be a devoted mother despite the ongoing divorce stress.