The deaths of two children allegedly killed by their Massachusetts mother inside her $1.5 million home were caused by mechanical asphyxia and intoxication from a combination of medications, according to medical examiner findings released this week.
Ella and Kai MacAusland were discovered dead in a bedroom in April. Their deaths resulted from asphyxia along with the combined effects of zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and lorazepam, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday.
Zolpidem is commonly prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, while lorazepam is used to manage anxiety and related conditions.
The findings were made public two days after the children’s mother, 49-year-old Janette MacAusland, was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder.
MacAusland had been involved in a contentious custody dispute with her former husband before she allegedly strangled 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella at the family’s home in Wellesley.
Following the alleged killings, MacAusland traveled roughly 140 miles to her aunt’s house in Bennington, Vermont. Court documents cited by WCAX say she arrived in an extremely distressed condition, covered in blood and suffering from a wound to her neck.
The acupuncturist allegedly told her aunt that she had killed the children and had attempted to jump from a bridge but stopped herself, according to the relative’s statement to police.
Police were summoned to the Bennington residence, where MacAusland allegedly acknowledged her involvement in the children’s deaths.
“I strangled them and then I tried to kill myself,” she allegedly told officers, according to court records.
MacAusland remains held without bail at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee. Her arraignment in Norfolk Superior Court is scheduled for Nov. 3.
If convicted of first-degree murder, she could receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
A not-guilty plea was entered on MacAusland’s behalf during her May arraignment in Dedham District Court.
