A Massachusetts acupuncturist is under scrutiny for allegedly murdering her two young children amid a turbulent divorce. Authorities documented a disturbing confession when they located her at her aunt’s residence.
Janet McCosland, aged 49, reportedly told a Vermont police officer that she had “choked herself and then tried to kill herself.” This was revealed in a police report.
When authorities inquired about her estranged husband’s whereabouts, she simply stated, “He’s at the lake.”
McCosland further remarked, “The three of us wanted to go to God together, but it didn’t work out,” deepening the shock of her claims.
She stands accused of taking the lives of 7-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Ella in their home valued at $1.5 million in Wellesley last Friday evening before seeking refuge at her aunt’s place.
Described as “hysterical,” she unexpectedly arrived at her aunt’s home in Bennington, located 140 miles from Boston, around 9:15 p.m. She began banging on the windows until a surprised family member, Sandra Mattison, recognized her and let her in.
Upon questioning, Mattison reported that her niece claimed she had killed her children, explaining that she had even driven to a bridge where her husband tried to jump off, but he couldn’t. She eventually drove to her aunt’s house.
Mattison noted in her statement, “[Three] I tried to go to God with him, but it didn’t work out.”
The aunt quickly called the police, requesting a welfare check since McCosland bore a bloody injury to her throat.
When law enforcement arrived, McCosland allegedly reiterated her shocking accusations. The initial report emerged following her first court appearance on Monday.
Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette indicated that officers grew increasingly alarmed about the children’s welfare and coordinated with cross-state authorities to check on them at the family’s Wellesley residence.
Once there, both children were discovered deceased, according to official accounts.
On Saturday, Massachusetts State Police issued an arrest warrant for McCosland on two counts of murder.
She is currently detained at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Vermont on fugitive charges.
During a court session in Bennington County, McCosland, appearing via video from her jail cell while wearing a protective vest, frequently replied, “Yes, sir,” as she waived her right to challenge extradition back to Massachusetts.
Previously, she had been embroiled in a custody battle after her husband filed for divorce in October, following nine years of marriage. The father, Samuel McCosland, was pursuing custody of their children and the family home, based on court documents.
Just days prior to the tragedy, the couple had filed a joint request on April 16 for a third party to assess the custody situation. This appointed guardian was assigned on April 21, just days before the horrific incident.
The two children were enrolled in kindergarten and second grade at Schofield Elementary School.
Former babysitter Kale Dollar expressed her sorrow, recalling how well-cared-for the children were. She described them as “full of life and laughter,” lamenting how they are now remembered mainly for their tragic end.
In another interview, Dollar commented on McCosland’s role as a mother, noting, “I got the impression that she probably feels like she’s shouldering more of the typical parenting and housework stuff. I’ve never walked into the house and felt that anything was terribly wrong.”
