Babysitter Remembers ‘Girly Girl,’ 6, and ‘Sweet’ Boy, 7, Allegedly Killed by Their Mother in Attempted Murder-Suicide

A funeral service was conducted on May 16 at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Massachusetts to commemorate the lives of siblings Ella and Kai, whose tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community. The ceremony took place just days after their mother, Janette MacAusland, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder during a court appearance on May 6.

Ella, aged six, and seven-year-old Kai were allegedly killed by their mother in their Wellesley home. Authorities arrested MacAusland in Vermont in April after she reportedly attempted to end her own life following the incident. The allegations surrounding the siblings’ deaths have deeply affected their friends, family, and the community, who gathered to celebrate their lives at the emotional service.

In April, the church held a vigil for the young elementary school students, who attended Schofield Elementary School. Many local residents came together to pay tribute to Ella and Kai, recalling fond memories and expressing their sorrow over their untimely demise. Cale Darrah, who once babysat the siblings, shared her recollections during an interview, highlighting the vibrant personalities of the children.

“Ella and Kai were full of life,” Darrah stated, reminiscing about them before the tragic event. She painted a picture of two happy and healthy children who were flourishing in their childhood. “Seemingly safe in their home,” the babysitter expressed her concern that the horrific circumstances surrounding their deaths might overshadow the essence of who they were.

Darrah stressed the importance of recognising Ella and Kai as individuals who had interests and aspirations rather than mere headlines or statistics. “They were tragically short lives, but they had lives. They had friends,” she said, emphasising the need to remember them beyond their tragic fate.

Reflecting on Ella’s personality, Darrah described her as “very outgoing” with a remarkable sense of confidence for her age. The young girl adored the colour purple and loved playful activities like having her hair braided, often showing a curious interest in beauty products. Darrah recalled, “She was fascinated by my eyeliner.”

In contrast, Kai was described as more reserved, albeit sweet once he grew comfortable. Darrah shared a delightful memory of him playfully hiding her shoes and his love for reading about planes, trains, and trucks. “They both enjoyed being outdoors,” she noted, recalling happy moments of the siblings scooting along the street on their scooters.

On May 6, Janette MacAusland appeared in court to enter her plea. According to multiple reports, she allegedly confessed to killing her children before attempting suicide by inflicting a wound on her neck and expressing a desire for a shared fate with her children. After the incident, she was found at her aunt’s house in Vermont, where she reportedly acted erratically and conveyed her tragic intentions.

At the time of the alleged murders, MacAusland was embroiled in a custody dispute with her estranged husband, Samuel. The circumstances of the case continue to unfold, as the community grapples with the implications of this profound loss.

The service at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church was a poignant reminder of the joy Ella and Kai brought to those around them, celebrating their youthful spirits amid the devastating reality of their absence. The gathering served not only as a farewell but also as a call to remember the light they brought into the world, encouraging others to honour their memory with love and compassion.