The tragic discovery of a family of four, suspected victims of a double murder-suicide, has shaken one of Perth’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Authorities have identified the deceased as Maiwenna Goasdowe, 49, her partner Jarrod Clune, 50, and their teenage sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14.
The grim scene unfolded on Friday morning in their Mosman Park home. Concern was raised by a caregiver, who had arrived for a scheduled visit around 8:15 a.m. The caregiver, who supported the boys reportedly living with severe autism, found the situation alarming and alerted the authorities.
Upon entering the residence, police discovered the family members’ lifeless bodies located in two different areas of the home. The tragic tableau extended further with the discovery of two deceased dogs and a cat.
Ms. Goasdowe, who hailed from France and affectionately went by ‘Mai’ among her friends, had openly discussed the challenges her sons faced, acknowledging their disabilities.
Two dogs and a cat were also found dead.
French-born Ms Goasdowe – who was known as ‘Mai’ to her friends – had previously described her sons as disabled.
Part of several online support groups, she confessed her sons’ conditions were on the higher end of the autism spectrum.
Most of her family live in Morlaix, a small town in Brittany in northwest France.
Maiwenna Goasdowe, her partner Jarrod Clune (both pictured), and their two teenage sons were discovered dead inside their home in Mosman Park, Perth
Brothers Otis and Leon’s bodies were also found at the same property
Along with the family, two dogs and a cat were also found dead
Mr Clune, who comes from a wealthy and connected Perth family, grew up in the area and went to Christ Church Grammar School, where both sons are understood to have attended.
However, according to the school’s newsletter posted online, the grammar ‘bid farewell’ to Otis in 2023.
‘Otis, you have demonstrated an eagerness to engage with your peers during group activities in the PMC,’ a teacher wrote at the time.
‘I am impressed that you are using your device to communicate during phonics. Well done for participating so enthusiastically at Bounce.’
Local children who went to school with Leon told Daily Mail the situation was a shock and ‘really sad’: ‘We recognise him from school, we’ve seen him around.’
During initial investigations on Friday, a note was located at the scene which is believed to have instructed the visitor not to enter but to call the police.
Fellow mum and close friend Nedra told the Daily Mail on Friday she was ‘shocked and devastated’ by the unimaginable tragedy.
‘Mai and Jarrod were the most devoted, loving, protective parents and their whole lives revolved around their beautiful boys,’ she said.
No weapon was used during the incident and there is no known history of family violence
Mr Clune was a Perth local who grew up in the area and went to Christ Church Grammar School
Nedra said the couple were under immense pressure as they struggled to find reliable care, particularly for one child who needed a high level of ongoing support.
‘It was incredibly hard to find anyone who could look after the boys, especially one of them with the level of support he needed,’ she said.
‘Anyone helping had to be just as devoted to her boys as [Ms Goasdowe] was.’
She said the pair felt increasingly isolated and unsupported by friends and family, adding that the boys’ diagnoses could make life ‘difficult and very challenging’.
‘They often felt isolated, unsupported and abandoned by family, friends, support services, schools, the NDIS, the health system and the community in general,’ she said.
‘No one can understand the endless fight to get the support and services they so desperately needed. Mai wouldn’t even put her boys into respite care in case they were mistreated in any way.
‘I can imagine that lack of support chronic sleep deprivation, the boys did not sleep through the night, and a long school holidays of challenging behaviours made them feel they had no other option.’
Leon Clune attended Christ Church Grammar School
Both Leon and Otis had been diagnosed with autism
Another friend, who chose to remain anonymous, described the parents as a ‘strong couple’ who loved their children ‘deeply and moved all the stones they could to ensure that they had the required supports and help’.
Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo told reporters on Friday that the deaths were being considered as a ‘double murder-suicide’.
She said no weapon was used during the incident and there is no known history of family violence connected to those involved.
‘Although this investigation is in its infancy, police are investigating this matter as a double murder-suicide,’ she said.
She stated that the bodies of the family were located ‘in different parts of the property’.
‘There is no ongoing risk to the community.’
Inspector Securo described the incident as ‘highly distressing’ and confirmed the teenage boys had ‘significant health challenges’.
‘This is an incredibly tragic situation for the family, the person who discovered them, and our first responders,’ she said.
St John WA confirmed five ambulance crews were called to the Mosman Park address at 8.29am. Western Australia Police remain at the scene, with several surrounding streets closed as forensic investigations continue.
Mosman Park is one of Perth’s most expensive suburbs and is bordered by some of the city’s most popular beaches, including nearby Cottesloe.
Anyone affected by the tragedy is urged to seek support.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
