Australian Family Tragedy: Parents Kill Autistic Sons and Pets in Murder-Suicide
In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the community, a family of four was found dead in their Mosman Park home in Perth, Australia, in what authorities are treating as a murder-suicide. The victims include parents Jarrod Clune, 50, and Maiwenna "Mai" Goasdoue, 49, along with their two autistic sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14.
Discovery of the Tragedy
The grim discovery was made on Friday, January 30, when a care worker arrived for a routine visit at the family's property in the affluent suburb of Mosman Park. The worker found a note on the front door warning "Don't enter" and providing instructions for emergency services. Upon entering, police found the deceased family members in different areas of the house, along with their two dogs and a cat, which had also been killed.
Drone images captured above the house revealed suspected bloodstains on bed sheets that were hanging out to dry, adding to the disturbing scene. A second note, believed to be a letter, was discovered on Saturday, January 31, outlining plans for the family's finances and suggesting the parents had jointly decided to end their lives.
Systemic Failures and Desperation
Friends and support workers of the family have pointed to feelings of being "failed" by Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as a contributing factor to this tragedy. Both boys were non-verbal and experienced significant health challenges, with reports indicating the family had lost government funding to support one of the disabled children.
Detective Jessica Securo, speaking at the scene, confirmed the case was being treated as a murder-suicide but noted there was no known history of domestic violence at the address. "There doesn't appear to be a violent incident that has occurred at the house," she stated, suggesting a more calculated and desperate act.
Community Outpouring and Criticism
Maddie Page, a former support worker for the children, publicly criticized the NDIS in a social media tribute, writing: "My heart feels unbearably heavy knowing that the NDIS system failed them, and that they were made to feel they had no other choice." She emphasized that the parents were "their biggest, fiercest supporters" and called for systemic improvements.
A close family friend, identified only as Nedra, revealed the couple felt increasingly isolated and unsupported by friends, family, and services. "They often felt isolated, unsupported and abandoned by family, friends, support services, schools, the NDIS, the health system and the community in general," she told the Daily Mail. Nedra suggested that "lack of support" and "chronic sleep deprivation" may have led the parents to feel they had no other option.
Remembering the Family
Another anonymous friend described the parents as a "strong couple" who loved their children deeply, stating: "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."
The community has responded with an outpouring of grief, leaving floral tributes and handwritten cards outside the house while tying white ribbons to a nearby tree. Plans are underway for a candlelit vigil to honor the memory of the family.
This tragic case highlights the immense pressures faced by families caring for children with significant disabilities and raises serious questions about the adequacy of support systems designed to help them.
