Mosman Park double murder-suicide: WA Police investigating ‘critical’ second note found inside family home

A detailed letter found inside the home where two parents are suspected of killing their innocent teenage sons before taking their own lives, may hold critical answers for homicide detectives investigating the double-murder suicide.

The Clune family — father Jarrod, 50, mum Maiwenna, 49, and their two sons, Leon, 16 and Otis, 14 — were found dead by WA Police after they were called to their Mott Close property in Mosman Park about 8.15am on Friday.

A person known to the family, believed to be a carer, found a note on the front door which warned them to not go inside and urged them to call police.

Both boys are believed to have been killed by their parents.

The family pets — two dogs and a cat — were also found dead inside the western suburbs property.

It emerged on Saturday that a letter found inside the home may hold crucial answers for police working to ascertain exactly how the boys died.

The note reportedly discussed the mindset of the parents and indicated some planning behind the incident.

The Sunday Times has confirmed that the letter located inside the property is being carefully investigated by detectives.

It is understood they have not drawn any conclusions on what each parent’s role was in their children’s deaths before they are suspected of taking their own lives.

Police still believe their deaths were not violent and that no weapons were used.

Their bodies were not found in the same location in the house, according to Detective Inspector Jessica Securo, who addressed media just hours after police shut down the quiet street.

WA Police did not provide a public update on their investigation on Saturday, which is ongoing and will likely take time as officers await the result of autopsies.

As the unimaginable suspected murder of the two brothers is investigated by detectives, a family friend of Maiwenna and Jarrod, who wished to remain anonymous, painted a different picture of the couple.

“Mai and Jarrod were the most dedicated, devoted, loving, involved parents who always championed their beautiful boys,” they said.

“However, whenever and wherever they sought much-needed help for their very high, support-needs children they were consistently rejected by the very people and organisations whose job it is to support families like the Clunes.

“I hope this tragedy marks a turning point for the NDIS, health and education systems, disability organisations and societal attitudes so their deaths will not be in vain.”

On Saturday afternoon, more than 32 hours after police were confronted with the highly distressing scene, it was eerily calm outside the well-kept home.

Just a single bunch of flowers was placed on the street, a solemn tribute left by two neighbours clearly rattled by what had transpired metres away.

The street remained cordoned off to the public with police tape.

Drivers slowly passed the long line of tape to stare into the street, which remained filled with forensic officers and detectives in suits.

Yesterday, a message went out to light a candle for Leon and Otis, who police say had health challenges. Neighbours and social media profiles of their parents documented how both boys had been diagnosed with autism.

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous and said he had seen the boys grow up, told The West they were both non-verbal.

Premier Roger Cook urged anyone struggling following the incident to seek help.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy that will ripple throughout the community and the entire State,” he said in a statement.

“That the lives of two innocent children have been taken is heartbreaking. I urge anyone who is struggling to seek help.

“I want to offer my deepest condolences to all those affected and thank the first responders who attended what would have been an incredibly confronting scene.”

Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association president Sarah Langston urged Australians impacted by the children’s deaths to pay their respects by lighting a candle at 5pm (Perth time) on Saturday, with many joining the association’s live-stream to reflect on what transpired.

“We are just inviting everyone, not just the disability community, to light a candle for the boys . . . to remember them, to centre them, their lives, their dignity and their rights as children,” she said.

“It’s been very distressing, these kinds of murders are too common and whenever they happen we see a lot of commentary which overemphasises that disabled children are a burden — but they’re not a burden, they’re precious.

“Whenever is a child is killed, it’s devastating. It really touches the whole community — we all care about children.”

Autism Association of WA chief executive Joan McKenna Kerr said the incident had brought a “deep sense of grief”.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of this devastating tragedy,” she said. “We mourn the lives of these two young people and their parents. Our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved.

“We recognise that for many autistic people and their families, this news does not just bring sadness, but a deep sense of grief.

“If any family, or someone you know, is having difficulty with the news of this unimaginable tragedy, we urge you to reach out for professional support.

“You can also reach out to one of our Autism Advisors who will assist you to make connection with the support you need on (08) 9489 8900.”

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