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.

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.

“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.

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