A profound sense of shock and sorrow has settled over one of Perth’s most affluent neighbourhoods following the discovery of a family of four who were found deceased inside their Mosman Park home. What initially appeared to be an ordinary morning on a leafy suburban street quickly became a moment that will linger in the memory of the community for years to come.
The family has been formally identified as Maiwenna Goasdowe, 49, her partner Jarrod Clune, 50, and their two teenage sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 8am on Friday by a person known to the family, who regularly provided care support and had arrived for a pre-arranged visit. When police entered the property on Mott Close, they found all four family members in different areas of the house.
Officers also located a note inside the home. While its contents have not been publicly disclosed, authorities confirmed it formed part of the initial assessment and investigation. Three family pets — two dogs and a cat — were also found deceased at the property, adding to the scale of the loss.
Detective Inspector Jessica Securo described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and confirmed police are treating the matter as a suspected double murder-suicide. She emphasised there is no ongoing risk to the public and no known history of family violence involving the family.
“We do know that both children experienced significant health challenges,” Inspector Securo told reporters, adding that the family had been engaged with care and support services. She declined to provide further detail, noting the investigation remains in its early stages and requires careful, respectful handling.
Ms Goasdowe, known to friends as Mai, was originally from Morlaix in northern France. She had been active in online support communities and openly spoke about raising two children with complex needs. Friends say she was deeply committed to advocating for her sons and ensuring they received the best possible care and education.
The boys were understood to have attended Christ Church Grammar School at various stages, with at least one having been supported through the school’s specialist learning centre. Mr Clune was also an alumnus of the school, having graduated in the early 1990s. Neighbours described him as quiet and familiar, often seen tending to everyday tasks around the home.
The family purchased the Mosman Park property in 2016, and while the area is known for its prestige and proximity to popular beaches, those close to the family say their private life was far removed from the image of ease often associated with the suburb. Friends have since spoken about the intense pressures the couple faced, particularly in managing care arrangements and navigating complex support systems.
Police confirmed no weapon was used and reiterated there were no prior reports that would have raised concerns with authorities. Inspector Securo acknowledged the emotional impact on first responders, noting such scenes are rare and deeply confronting even for experienced officers. Welfare teams and chaplain services were brought in to support those involved.
Local residents expressed heartbreak and disbelief. One neighbour described the news as “immensely disheartening,” while others gathered quietly outside the cordoned-off street, struggling to make sense of the loss.
Community leaders, including Curtin MP Kate Chaney and Police Minister Reece Whitby, offered condolences and praised the actions of emergency services and the individual who raised the alarm. Both urged compassion for those affected and patience as the investigation continues.
As the area slowly returns to quiet, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that even in places of apparent comfort and stability, unseen struggles can exist. For the Mosman Park community, the focus now turns to support, reflection, and ensuring that families facing overwhelming challenges are not left to cope alone.
