Judge Denies Request to Release Janette MacAusland in Case Involving Deaths of Two Children

Janette MacAusland is accused of killing her two children, Kai, 7, and Ella, 6, in April 2026. She has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Following the incident, MacAusland was found at her aunt’s home in Vermont with a wound to her neck. According to police, she made statements concerning the deaths of her children as well as an alleged attempt to take her own life.

The case remains pending, and the allegations against MacAusland have not been proven in court.

On September 10, 2026, MacAusland’s attorney asked the court to dismiss the case or release her from custody. The defense argued that there were insufficient grounds to justify keeping her detained while the proceedings continue.

The judge rejected the request, meaning MacAusland will remain in custody without bail as the case moves forward.

MacAusland has not been convicted of the charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The proceedings are ongoing.

Source: WMTW