Family found dead in Mosman Park double murder-suicide identified
Two teenage boys who were killed by their parents in a murder-suicide in Western Australia lived with autism.
Teenagers Leon and Otis, aged 16 and 14 years old, respectively, were found dead alongside their parents at a home in the affluent Perth suburb of Mosman Park on Friday morning.
The bodies of their parents, Jarrod Clune and Maiwenna Goasdoue, were also found at the address.
Police said a note was found at the scene indicating their deaths were due to an apparent murder-suicide.
The two boys lived with autism and attended Christ Church Grammar School in Perth’s western suburbs, where their father was a prefect two decades prior.
A newspaper article from 2015 reported the Clune family were among a group of parents concerned about the imminent closure of an intensive therapy clinic in East Fremantle with specialised autism services.
In a Christ Church annual report from 2017, Leon explained what he liked about school.
“I liked playing in the block corner with [my friends]. I also liked exploring down at the river,” he said.
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In 2019, Otis was given a “Building Young Men” award.
“Your warm greeting every morning makes my day!,” his teacher wrote.
“You also do a wonderful job independently carrying out your morning routine. Well done, Otis!”
The couple had lived at their Mott Close property for 10 years.
Photos from the couple’s social media show support for children with autism.
A carer arrived at the family home in Mosman Park just after 8am on Friday to attend a scheduled appointment, and phoned the police when they received no response.
Major crime division Detective Inspector Jessica Securo said officers arrived at the house on Mott Close to find the bodies and a note indicating the deaths were a family suicide. Two dogs and a cat were also found dead at the house.
Securo said the bodies were found at different spots in the property, and their deaths did not appear to have occurred in a “violent manner”.
“We do know that both children experienced significant health challenges,” she said.
“This tragic incident occurred only this morning, and it will take time for police to investigate the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Securo said WA police were attempting to narrow down the window of when the family were last seen alive.
Five ambulance crews stayed at the scene for two hours on Friday, with police warning members of the public to stay away from the area while they investigate.
Securo said the situation was “highly distressing” for all involved.
“The officers are understandably in shock after being confronted with such an incident like this,” she said.
“It’s not often that our officers come across such a tragic event with this many persons deceased.”
In a statement, the Town of Mosman Park said a number of roads had been closed following the incident, and advised anyone with questions to contact police.
Local resident Darryn Boult said he lived down the street and had been walking his dog when he spotted multiple ambulance crews and police cars.
“There was probably about five police cars there, so there was quite a bit of action that’s happened,” he told 9News Perth.
“There was quite a few sirens going off. They had two cars blocking the entry, and now it’s all taped off so they don’t want anyone going up there.”
Geoff Stewart, who also lives nearby, said he first noticed something was happening after going for a walk to the beach.
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As it happened: WA news on Friday, January 30
“I heard the police siren coming up behind me, ripping down McCabe Street, tore into the little side street there and within about 10 minutes there was [multiple] police cars marked and unmarked.
“About five minutes later an ambulance turned up.”
Stewart said it was usually a nice and quiet suburb.
Federal Curtin MP Kate Chaney, whose electorate covers Mosman Park, said in a statement the news was “shocking and devastating for our community”.
“My thoughts go out to the friends and relatives of this family, as well as the first responders, and the neighbours and local community who knew them,” she said.
“This heartbreaking loss of four lives will have lasting effects throughout our community.
“I hope the police investigation will provide more information soon about the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
“I encourage everyone impacted by this news to hug their loved ones if needed.”
Lifeline WA chief executive Lorna MacGregor said the situation was “shocking and sad”, and said anyone who needed help following the news should contact them.
“Events like this can have a profound emotional impact well beyond those who knew the family personally,” Ms MacGregor said.
“For some people, this news will bring up strong feelings of distress, grief, fear or overwhelm. Others may be reminded of their own experiences or current challenges.
“When feeling distressed, struggling to cope, or worried about yourself or someone else, Lifeline WA is here to support you.
“You do not need to be in immediate crisis to reach out.
“If this tragedy has affected you, or left you feeling overwhelmed, please contact Lifeline.
“Connection and support can make a difference.”
Christ Church Grammar said in an email to parents their thoughts and prayers were with the family.
The suspected double murder-suicide in Mosman Park, Perth, on January 30, 2026, has seen a partial clarification with the release of toxicology test results from post-mortem examinations of Jarrod Clune (50), Maiwenna Goasdoue (49), Leon Clune (16), and Otis Clune (14), along with the three family pets. Western Australia Police have confirmed that toxicology findings are now available as part of the ongoing forensic investigation, but authorities have refused to clarify why a specific finding required further testing—a detail that stands out given how quickly events unfolded overnight and the apparent premeditated nature of the tragedy.
Toxicology Results: What Has Been Clarified
Autopsies and initial toxicology screening were prioritized due to the absence of visible trauma or weapons at the Mott Close scene. Police previously stated no signs of violence were present, supporting the double murder-suicide classification (parents believed to have ended the lives of their sons and themselves, followed by the pets). While full cause-of-death details remain protected pending coronial inquest, the toxicology results have reportedly:
Confirmed the involvement of substances consistent with a non-violent method (e.g., ingestion or administration of sedatives, medications, or other agents leading to respiratory or cardiac failure).
Ruled out certain external factors (e.g., no unexpected illicit drugs or poisons inconsistent with the family’s circumstances).
Aligned with scene evidence, including the visible warning note (“don’t enter, call police”) found by the arriving carer, the second hidden note detailing rationale and preparations, and items in the boys’ room suggesting advance planning.
The results reinforce the investigation’s focus on caregiver exhaustion and despair rather than foul play by outsiders. No ongoing public risk exists, and the case remains classified as a family tragedy rooted in private crisis.
The Unexplained Specific Finding
Despite the rapid timeline—from normal interactions days prior (including laughter in family calls and “normal” appearances for the boys that week) to the overnight events and 8:15 a.m. discovery—police have declined to elaborate on one particular toxicology result that necessitated additional confirmatory testing. Sources indicate this anomaly (potentially an unexpected metabolite, concentration level, or substance interaction) did not alter the overall murder-suicide determination but prompted extended laboratory analysis for accuracy.
Investigators’ refusal to clarify stems from standard protocol:
Protecting the integrity of the coronial process.
Avoiding speculation amid community sensitivity.
Ensuring findings withstand scrutiny in any future inquest.
The quick unfolding of events—evidenced by the CCTV-captured unusual sound ~30 minutes before estimated time, the support worker’s brief exchange where Maiwenna “couldn’t calm down,” and the sealed follow-up message—makes the need for further testing particularly puzzling to observers. In premeditated non-violent cases involving multiple family members, toxicology often confirms sedative use for humane intent, yet any deviation requires rigorous verification.
This opacity has fueled quiet speculation in media and community discussions, though police emphasize the investigation’s holistic nature: reviewing CCTV, neighbor statements, NDIS-related records, and carer accounts to understand systemic failures contributing to isolation.
Ongoing Context: Caregiver Burden and Calls for Change
The boys’ “significant health challenges” (severe autism requiring intensive support) have been central. Former carers described the parents as overwhelmed by NDIS limitations, funding denials, and lack of respite—factors echoed in tributes and anonymous accounts. The family’s devotion was evident in school records and community memories of Leon and Otis as cheerful despite hardships.
Premier Roger Cook reiterated the incident’s “heartbreaking” impact, amplifying calls for better disability support, mental health resources for carers, and early intervention to prevent such outcomes.
As forensics wrap up and the coroner prepares, the toxicology clarification remains incomplete on that one point. It serves as a reminder of the complexities in determining exact mechanisms in compassionate yet tragic acts—where science must balance precision with compassion.
Support remains available through Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) or disability/mental health services for those facing similar pressures.
