The Australian parents of two severely autistic teenage boys, who they murdered before taking their own lives, had become increasingly isolated and unsupported in the lead-up to the tragedy. Devastated friends have revealed the couple may have felt they had 'no choice' after being repeatedly let down by 'the system'. The bodies of Jarrod Clune, 50, his partner Maiwenna Goasdoue, 49, and their sons Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, were discovered inside their home in the affluent Perth suburb of Mosman Park on January 30.
Investigation and Notes Point to Planned Tragedy
Police suspect the boys, both diagnosed with severe, non-verbal autism, were killed in a murder-suicide by their parents. The teenagers were described as experiencing 'significant health challenges'. A second note, believed to be a letter, helped investigators conclude this was a double murder-suicide. The message reportedly outlined plans for the family's finances and suggested the parents had jointly decided to end their lives and those of their children.
Systemic Failures and Isolation
Since the tragedy, friends have detailed the immense hardships the Clune family endured. Reports indicate the family had lost government funding to support one of the boys' disabilities through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Close friend Nedra told the Daily Mail the couple felt increasingly isolated and abandoned by family, friends, support services, schools, the NDIS, the health system, and the wider community.
'No one can understand the endless fight to get the support and services they so desperately needed,' Nedra said. 'Mai wouldn't even put her boys into respite care in case they were mistreated in any way.'
Alleged School Mistreatment and Expulsion
Among the most shocking burdens carried by the Clunes was an alleged incident where a staff member at Christ Church Grammar School, which both boys had attended, called one of the severely autistic teenagers a 'monster'. A teacher confirmed that Otis had been expelled 'around two years ago' over a spitting incident that proved the final straw for the school. Multiple sources verified the expulsion, though the school declined to comment specifically, instead offering a general statement about supporting grieving families.
According to the school's newsletter, the grammar 'bid farewell' to Otis in 2023, with a teacher noting: 'Otis, you have demonstrated an eagerness to engage with your peers during group activities.' Another educator suggested Christ Church Grammar wasn't the right fit for the boys, who later enrolled in a special-needs school that better supported them.
Parental Exhaustion and Desperation
Friends described the parents as a 'strong couple' who loved their children 'deeply' and moved 'all the stones they could' to secure necessary support. However, they were fighting a losing battle against a system not designed to assist them adequately. Chronic sleep deprivation was a significant factor, as the boys rarely slept through the night, often napping at school instead.
One anonymous friend explained: 'This tragedy arose because two parents were so beaten down by the system, so isolated, so fearful for the future of their children that they could see no other way out. They have been let down by the medical system, schools, and multiple therapists who put them in the too hard basket.'
Personal Tributes and Community Shock
Autism mentor Maddie Page shared a heartfelt Facebook tribute, 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. My heart feels unbearably heavy knowing that the NDIS system failed them.'
French-born Maiwenna Goasdoue, known as 'Mai' to friends, had previously described her sons as disabled, acknowledging their conditions were on the higher end of the autism spectrum. She had little family support locally, with most relatives living in Morlaix, Brittany. Jarrod Clune came from a wealthy Perth family and had attended the same prestigious school his sons later struggled with.
Boys' Personalities and Interests
Despite their challenges, the boys had distinct personalities and interests. Leon loved Toy Story, particularly the character Woody, while Otis adored Finding Nemo, often bringing Nemo and Dory stuffed toys to school to help with sensory issues. Both enjoyed their pets Diego and Loretta, who were also found dead in the home.
An educator teaching one of the boys at the time of his death noted: 'They were kind-hearted boys who just needed to be understood. Next year would mark Leon's graduation from school – that's a big deal. [It shows] just how far he came.' Local children who attended school with Leon expressed shock, describing the situation as 'really sad'.
Political Response and Broader Implications
Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, acknowledged the need to understand the deeper problems at hand. 'At times like this you ask yourself why? What went wrong? Could [it] have been prevented?' he stated. 'We must now step through the process of undertaking the investigation to get the facts in front of us in order to be able to answer those questions.'
The tragedy has sparked conversations about inclusion, support for families with disabled children, and the adequacy of systems like the NDIS. Floral tributes and heartfelt cards have been placed outside the family's Mott Crescent home in Mosman Park, one of Perth's most expensive suburbs, as the community mourns this profound loss.
