You will find gripping and unsettling facts about a family tragedy in Perth that has sparked national debate and scrutiny. Two parents have been charged after the deaths of their autistic teenage sons in an apparent murder-suicide, a case prompting urgent questions about caregiver support, disability services, and how the community responds to families in crisis.
The piece traces what happened at the Mosman Park home, outlines the police findings and available evidence, and examines how gaps in care may have contributed to the tragedy. It also explores the wider fallout — from public outcry to calls for policy change — so you can understand both the immediate events and the deeper issues they expose.
Overview of the Perth Family Tragedy
A wealthy Mosman Park family of four were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide that has prompted public questions about disability support and emergency response. Two teenagers who lived with autism died alongside their parents, and police recovered a note at the scene.
Timeline and Discovery of the Incident
Police were called to a home on Mott Close in Mosman Park about 8:15am on a Friday after concerns for welfare were raised. Officers entered the house and found Jarrod Clune, 50, and Maiwenna Goasdoue, 49, together with their sons Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, deceased. A note was located at the property and the family’s two dogs and a cat were also found dead. Local reports indicate earlier social-media activity by the parents advocating for autism awareness. The timing of the deaths and any preceding welfare checks remain part of the formal inquiry.
Key Persons Involved
Jarrod Clune and Maiwenna Goasdoue were the parents; both had ties to the local community and schools. Their sons, Leon and Otis, had high support needs and had attended Christ Church Grammar’s Peter Moyes Centre for specialist assistance. Neighbours and school representatives described the family as engaged in advocacy and committed to their children’s care. Developmental disability advocates have highlighted the case while expressing concern about system gaps. The family’s identities and some school history were publicly confirmed in media statements following the discovery.
Investigation by Western Australia Police
Western Australia Police opened a homicide investigation and treated the deaths as an apparent double murder-suicide while forensic teams processed the scene. A senior homicide detective, Jessica Securo, or detectives in that unit, led parts of the investigation and coordinated with coronial and disability authorities. Police said they would examine the note found at the scene and work with agencies including the NDIA to determine whether failures in funding or support played any role. Authorities asked the public to allow the investigation to run its course before drawing conclusions.
For contemporaneous reporting and official statements, see the ABC’s coverage of the incident.
Underlying Issues and Community Impact
Families faced acute strain from limited respite, complex service navigation, and stigma that can follow a child’s diagnosis. Financial pressure, gaps in care for non-verbal needs, and community reactions combine to shape immediate safety risks and longer-term trauma.
Challenges of Caring for Non-Verbal Autistic Children
Caring for a child who does not use spoken language increases day-to-day demands. Caregivers must rely on alternative communication methods — picture exchange, apps, signing — and those systems require training and time to implement well. When routines break down, non-verbal children can express distress through high-intensity behaviors that need skilled de-escalation.
Specialist supports such as speech-language therapy, behavioral intervention, and suitably trained respite staff are scarce in many areas. That scarcity forces families to manage complex behavior at home without backup. The result can be chronic sleep loss, injury risk, and burnout among primary carers.
Struggles with the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Families often report administrative delays and inconsistent plan funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Appeals, reassessments, and changing plan budgets interrupt ongoing therapy for speech, occupational work, and behavior support.
NDIS plan shortfalls disproportionately affect children with non-verbal autism because they need sustained, multidisciplinary services. Where approved supports are limited, families scramble for private services or give up appointments due to cost. This creates service gaps that worsen behavior and increase caregiver stress.
Family Isolation and Mental Health
Isolation grows when families withdraw to manage safety and avoid judgment. Parents describe fewer social contacts, reduced work hours, and loss of informal supports like neighbors and extended family. Isolation amplifies anxiety and depression risk for caregivers.
Mental-health supports for parents are often episodic, not proactive. Crisis services may appear only after severe events occur. Without routine counseling, peer support, and accessible respite, cumulative stress can impair decision-making and coping.
Reactions from Schools and Support Networks
Schools and local services vary widely in readiness to support autistic students, especially those who are non-verbal. Some institutions, including independent schools such as Christ Church Grammar, provide individualized education plans and in-class aides; others lack training or funding for tailored supports.
When schools and therapists communicate clearly and coordinate with families, behavior plans transfer across settings and reduce incidents. Conversely, poor communication, exclusionary disciplinary actions, or abrupt transitions from one provider to another erode trust and fragment care. Communities respond with a mix of advocacy, calls for policy change, and, at times, blame directed at families rather than system failures.
More from Decluttering Mom:
