In the leafy, affluent suburb of Mosman Park in Perth, a profound silence has descended—a quietude that speaks of a tragedy too heavy for words. The community is currently grappling with the heartbreaking loss of the Clune family, an event that has peeled back the layers of suburban tranquility to reveal a devastating narrative of isolation, exhaustion, and an alleged failure of the support systems designed to protect the most vulnerable.
The alarm was raised on a seemingly ordinary Friday morning when a care worker arrived at the family’s residence for a scheduled visit. Instead of the usual morning routine, the carer was met with a chilling note at the entrance, instructing them not to enter and to contact emergency services immediately. Upon entering the property, authorities confirmed the community’s worst fears: Maiwenna Goasdoue, 49, her partner Jarrod Clune, 50, and their two teenage sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, had all passed away within the sanctuary of their home.
While the loss of life is tragic in any circumstance, the context surrounding this family’s final days has sparked a furious debate about the adequacy of social support services. Both Leon and Otis lived with severe autism and were non-verbal, requiring round-the-clock care. In the wake of the discovery, friends and advocates have come forward to reject the narrative of a senseless crime, painting instead a portrait of two devoted parents who were pushed to their absolute physical and emotional limits.
Those close to the family describe Mai and Jarrod as fierce advocates who loved their children deeply. They were known to “move stones” to ensure their sons had what they needed. However, friends allege that the family was fighting a losing battle against a bureaucratic labyrinth that offered little relief. Reports suggest the couple felt increasingly isolated, abandoned by friends, family, and crucially, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“My heart feels unbearably heavy knowing that the system failed them,” wrote autism mentor Maddie Page in a poignant tribute. She, like many others, emphasized that the parents were not villains, but exhausted caregivers who felt they had no other choice. The narrative emerging is one of chronic sleep deprivation and the crushing weight of managing complex needs without sufficient respite. One close associate noted that the tragedy arose because two parents were “so beaten down by the system, so isolated, and so fearful for the future of their children that they could see no other way out.”
Investigators located a second note inside the home—a letter that reportedly indicated significant prior planning. It outlined the management of the family’s affairs, suggesting that this was a joint decision made in a state of hopelessness rather than an act of malice.
As floral tributes continue to accumulate on the corner of the quiet cul-de-sac, the focus has shifted from the “how” to the “why.” This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark wake-up call regarding the immense pressure placed on unpaid carers and the catastrophic consequences that can occur when society’s safety nets disintegrate. The Clune family’s story is a somber reminder that behind closed doors, even the most devoted families can reach a breaking point when their cries for help go unheard.