Tragic Discovery in Perth Suburb
Investigators have uncovered deep red marks, believed to be bloodstains, at the rear of a home in Perth’s affluent Mosman Park suburb, where a family of four faced a devastating end in what authorities describe as a double murder-suicide. The incident involved Maiwenna ‘Mai’ Goasdoue, 49, her partner Jarrod Clune, 50, and their teenage sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, all found deceased inside the property on Friday morning.
A caregiver for the boys, who had severe autism and were non-verbal, arrived for a scheduled visit around 8:15 a.m. and discovered a note warning against entry while instructing to contact emergency services. Upon arrival, police confirmed the deaths of all four family members, along with their two dogs and a cat. The bodies were scattered throughout the house, and officials note that the deaths do not appear violent, with no weapons involved.
Family’s Challenges with Autism Support
Leon and Otis, both diagnosed with severe autism, required extensive care. Their mother, French-born Mai Goasdoue, actively participated in online support groups, sharing insights into the complexities of raising non-verbal children with significant needs. Friends describe the parents as devoted advocates who tirelessly sought adequate support for their sons.
Drone footage reveals the suspected bloodstains near a clothesline at the property’s back, just meters from drying bedsheets. Western Australia Police declined to comment on these marks during ongoing inquiries, stating that the case remains under active investigation with no further details available at this time.
Friends’ Heartfelt Tributes and System Criticisms
As the quiet cul-de-sac of Mott Crescent stays cordoned off with police tape, community members have left floral tributes at the street corner. Social media posts from friends highlight the family’s isolation and struggles with support systems.
Autism mentor Maddie Page shared a poignant tribute online: ‘The Clune boys will always hold a special place in my heart—they taught me to think outside the box when it came to working with autism, and reminded me that communication is so much more than words.’ She added that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ultimately failed the family, leaving them feeling trapped with no alternatives.
Another close friend, Nedra, described the couple’s growing sense of abandonment: ‘They often felt isolated, unsupported, and abandoned by family, friends, support services, schools, the NDIS, the health system, and the community in general.’ She pointed to chronic sleep deprivation from the boys’ nighttime needs and demanding school holidays as factors that overwhelmed the parents, who avoided respite care out of fear for their sons’ well-being.
An anonymous friend emphasized the parents’ resilience: ‘They were a strong couple who loved their children deeply and moved all the stones they could to ensure that they had the required supports and help.’ However, this individual stressed that the family battled a flawed system, clarifying that the tragedy stemmed not from domestic violence but from exhaustion and fear for the boys’ future.
Police Investigation Details
A second note, resembling a letter, guided initial conclusions toward a planned double murder-suicide. It reportedly addressed financial matters post-death, indicating a joint parental decision. Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo confirmed the classification as a double murder-suicide, with no history of family violence.
‘Although this investigation is in its infancy, police are investigating this matter as a double murder-suicide,’ Securo stated. She noted the bodies’ locations in various parts of the property and described the event as ‘highly distressing,’ especially given the boys’ significant health challenges. ‘There doesn’t appear to be a violent incident that has occurred at the house. This is an incredibly tragic situation for the family, the person who discovered them, and our first responders.’
Five ambulance crews from St John WA responded at 8:29 a.m., and forensic teams continue work at the scene, with nearby streets closed. Mosman Park, known for its high property values and proximity to beaches like Cottesloe, now grapples with this profound loss.
Those impacted by such tragedies can reach out for support via Lifeline at 13 11 14.
