# Cause of death for 2 young children allegedly killed by acupuncturist mom

> Massachusetts mother Janette MacAusland faces life imprisonment after allegedly strangling her two children with drugs.
- Title: Cause of death for 2 young children allegedly killed by…
- Summary: Massachusetts mother Janette MacAusland faces life imprisonment after allegedly strangling her two children with drugs. Janette MacAusland, 49, was indicted…
- Keywords: janette macausland, ella macausland, kai macausland, wellesley, dedham, massachusetts, first-degree murder, zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, lorazepam, strangulation
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/22/us-news/cause-of-death-for-2-young-children-allegedly-killed-by-acupuncturist-mom-janette-macausland-revealed
- Published: 2026-10-22T14:03:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: janette macausland, ella macausland, kai macausland, wellesley, dedham, massachusetts, first-degree murder, zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, lorazepam, strangulation
## Coroners reveal cause of death
Ella and Kai MacAusland died from intoxication caused by a cocktail of drugs and asphyxia.

> Ella and Kai MacAusland were found dead in bed in April, and coroners revealed Wednesday their deaths stemmed from mechanical asphyxia and the "combined effects of substances including zolpidem, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lorazepam," the Boston Globe reported.
## Janette MacAusland indicted for murder
Janette MacAusland, 49, was indicted on first-degree murder charges after allegedly strangling her two children.

> Janette MacAusland appears in Dedham District Court for her arraignment in the killing of her two children in Dedham, Massachusetts, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
## MacAusland's confession and status
MacAusland confessed to killing her children and is held without bail for life imprisonment if convicted.

> I strangled them and then I tried to kill myself, she allegedly told police, according to the documents.
## Key takeaway

Janette MacAusland, 49, was indicted on first-degree murder charges for allegedly strangling her 6-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son with a cocktail of drugs.