A Massachusetts acupuncturist accused of killing her two children in their $1 million home has yet to be extradited back to the Commonwealth, leaving experts puzzled. Janette MacAusland, 49, was arrested in Vermont on April 25 in connection with the deaths of her children, Kai and Ella, amid a bitter divorce battle with her husband, Samuel MacAusland, 62.
Extradition Waived but Delayed
Three days after her arrest, MacAusland appeared virtually in court and waived her extradition, allowing Massachusetts police to bring her back to the state where the alleged murders occurred. However, more than a week later, she remains at Vermont’s only women’s prison, the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington. Experts are confused by the delay, as the case cannot move forward until she is returned to Massachusetts, according to The Boston Globe.
Possible Reasons for Delay
Retired Superior Court Judge John T. Lu told the outlet that while the primary focus is usually to return the alleged criminal to the state of offense, concerns for MacAusland’s mental or physical health could delay extradition. Police must ensure her complete safety, Lu explained. Although no official reason has been announced, MacAusland allegedly arrived at her aunt’s Vermont home covered in blood from a wound on her neck, where she reportedly attempted suicide.
Details of the Case
Her aunt told police that MacAusland arrived hysterical, claiming the children were in her bed in Massachusetts. A wellness check led to the discovery of the children’s bodies. A spokesperson for the Vermont Department of Corrections said Massachusetts will assume custody within 15 days. Upon return, MacAusland will be arraigned on two counts of murder. Her attorney may request a psychiatric evaluation or seek an insanity plea.
Background and Family Life
The alleged murders occurred during a divorce filed by Samuel MacAusland in October 2025, citing an irretrievable breakdown. The couple had been feuding over custody and control of their three-bedroom home. Earlier, Janette MacAusland often praised her husband on social media, calling him a doting father. In a June 2021 Father’s Day post, she wrote, “Happy Father’s Day to every dad that shows up. And this one shows up BIGTIME.” The children attended Schofield Elementary School, with one in second grade and the other in kindergarten.
Community Reaction
Neighbor David Kessler told The Boston Globe that he often heard the children playing and laughing in their backyard. After police interviewed him, they said, “It’s as bad as you can imagine.” Cale Darrah, the children’s former caretaker, described them as “two beautiful children who were full of life and laughter.” MacAusland, an acupuncturist with New England Integrated Health, also worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and founded Boston Acupuncture Trauma Relief after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
