A devastated grandfather has made a poignant visit to the Perth home where his son and daughter-in-law were found dead alongside their two autistic teenage sons and family pets, in what police are investigating as a double murder-suicide.
Community Tributes and Vigil Plans
Michael Clune returned to his son Jarrod Clune's Mosman Park home four days after the tragic discovery. The property, located on Mott Crescent, was no longer an active crime scene, allowing Michael, who lives nearby with his wife Dianne, to approach the quiet cul-de-sac. Floral tributes, handwritten cards, dog toys, and a bowl of water now line the front of the home, while white ribbons tied to a nearby mulberry tree flutter in remembrance.
Community members have expressed deep sorrow and frustration, with many believing the family was failed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In response, locals are organising a candlelight vigil in a local park to show sympathy and acknowledge the profound loss. One resident posted on Facebook, encouraging others to tie ribbons to trees, stating, "I have put five ribbons on the mulberry tree at their house - because Jarrod loved to garden and their mum helped them pick those mulberries."
Details of the Tragedy
The bodies of Jarrod Clune, his partner Maiwenna Goasdoue, and their sons Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, were found inside the property on Friday morning. A care worker, who regularly assisted the boys—both understood to have severe, non-verbal autism—raised the alarm at about 8.15am after arriving for a pre-arranged visit and being unable to contact the family. The care worker discovered a note with instructions not to enter and to call emergency services.
Upon entering, police discovered all four family members dead, along with the family's two dogs and cat. The bodies were located in different parts of the home, with police indicating the deaths were not violent in nature and no weapons were used. However, drone images appear to show what resemble bloodstains at the rear of the property, though police have declined to comment on this detail, stating the incident remains under investigation.
Systemic Failures and Parental Struggles
Friends and community members have taken to social media to pay tribute, with many venting frustration over perceived lack of support from the NDIS. Reports suggest one of the boys had recently had his NDIS funding cut. Close friends described the couple as feeling increasingly isolated and unsupported by friends, family, and services.
Nedra, a close friend, told the Daily Mail, "They often felt isolated, unsupported and abandoned by family, friends, support services, schools, the NDIS, the health system and the community in general." She added that chronic sleep deprivation and challenging behaviours during school holidays may have contributed to their despair.
Another anonymous friend described the parents as a "strong couple" who loved their children deeply but were "fighting a losing battle against a system which is not here to assist." They emphasised this was not a domestic violence incident but a tragedy stemming from systemic failures.
Investigation and Police Statements
Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo confirmed on Friday that police are investigating the matter as a double murder-suicide, with no known history of family violence. A second note, believed to be a letter, helped investigators conclude the tragedy was a joint decision by the parents, outlining plans for the family's finances.
Securo stated, "This is an incredibly tragic situation for the family, the person who discovered them, and our first responders." She noted that the bodies were found in different parts of the property and there was no evidence of a violent incident.
Community Support and Mourning
In the wake of the tragedy, mourners have been seen delivering food and flowers to the Fremantle East home of Jarrod's sister, Jemima, as relatives and friends rally around the grieving family. Autism mentor Maddie Page shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing, "The Clune boys will always hold a special place in my heart – they taught me to think outside the box when it came to working with autism and reminded me that communication is so much more than words."
She added, "My heart feels unbearably heavy knowing that the NDIS system failed them, and that they were made to feel they had no other choice."
Mosman Park, one of Perth's most expensive suburbs bordered by popular beaches like Cottesloe, is now a site of collective mourning. Anyone affected by the tragedy is urged to seek support from Lifeline at 13 11 14.
