The headline “SOMETHING WAS OFF.” has haunted residents of the quiet cul-de-sac on Mott Close in Mosman Park, a leafy, affluent suburb in Perth’s western corridor. Neighbours describe a lingering unease in the days and weeks leading up to the tragedy that unfolded on Friday, January 30, 2026, when a family of four—along with their three beloved pets—were found deceased inside their family home. What appeared on the surface as an ordinary, well-kept residence in one of Western Australia’s most desirable postcodes has now become the epicentre of grief, questions, and speculation.
The victims were identified as Jarrod Clune, 50, his partner Maiwenna Goasdowe, 49, and their two teenage sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14. Police have classified the incident as a suspected double murder-suicide, meaning the parents are believed to have taken the lives of their children before ending their own. Three pets—a cat and two dogs—were also found dead at the scene, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already unimaginable loss.
The discovery came shortly after 8:15 a.m. when a person known to the family arrived for a pre-arranged appointment—likely related to care services for the boys, who reportedly had significant health challenges, including autism and were described by some as non-verbal. Unable to make contact, the visitor alerted authorities. Upon entry, officers made the grim discovery. A note was found at the property, reportedly warning not to enter and to call police. Later reports suggested a second note may have outlined reasons behind the actions, though police have declined to release specifics, citing the ongoing homicide investigation.
Mott Close is a short, peaceful street lined with a handful of upscale homes, where properties routinely fetch multi-million-dollar prices. The Clune-Goasdowe residence, purchased for around $1.4 million in 2016, was recently valued well over $3 million—a testament to the suburb’s desirability and the family’s apparent stability. Neighbours spoke of seeing the boys swimming in the backyard pool on warmer days, a glimpse of normal family life in an otherwise private household. Yet, beneath that facade, something unsettled those living nearby.
Residents have come forward with accounts that now feel chilling in hindsight. One recurring detail stands out: a mysterious person was regularly seen coming and going from the home on Mott Close. This individual, whose identity and purpose remain unclear in public reports, has sparked troubling questions. Was this a caregiver, a medical professional, or someone else entirely? In the tight-knit community, where routines are predictable and strangers noticeable, the frequent visitor stood out. Some neighbours described an increasing sense that “something was very wrong” in recent times—subtle shifts in behaviour, perhaps quieter days, or a heavier atmosphere around the property.
The boys’ health challenges appear central to understanding the family’s struggles. Reports indicate Leon and Otis required ongoing support, engaging with care services. Parenting children with profound needs, especially non-verbal autism, can bring immense emotional, financial, and psychological strain—even in supportive environments. Experts note that families in such situations often face isolation, burnout, and difficult decisions about long-term care. While no official motive has been confirmed, the presence of notes suggests premeditation and perhaps an attempt to explain the unthinkable.
The broader Mosman Park community remains in shock. Local MP Kate Chaney described the event as “shocking and devastating,” extending sympathies to relatives, first responders, and neighbours who knew the family. WA Premier comments echoed the sentiment, calling it “heartbreaking” and “unimaginable.” Calls have emerged for a candlelight vigil at 5 p.m., urging Australians to honour the lives of Leon and Otis—two innocent boys caught in a tragedy beyond their control.
Homicide detectives continue their work: examining the scene, reviewing CCTV footage, canvassing neighbours, and conducting forensic assessments. The property remains cordoned off, a stark reminder in an otherwise serene neighbourhood. Questions linger about warning signs that may have been missed. How could a family in such a privileged setting reach such despair? What role did the mysterious regular visitor play in the household dynamics? And could intervention have changed the outcome?
This case forces a confrontation with uncomfortable truths about mental health, caregiving burdens, and the hidden struggles behind closed doors—even in Australia’s wealthiest suburbs. Support services exist, yet access, stigma, and overwhelm can prevent families from seeking or receiving adequate help. As investigations proceed, the focus must shift toward prevention: better resources for families with disabled children, destigmatizing discussions around parental mental health, and community vigilance without judgment.
For now, Mott Close stands silent, its residents grappling with grief and the echo of that haunting phrase: something was off. The answers may come slowly, if at all. What remains is a profound loss—of two young lives full of potential, of parents who may have felt cornered by circumstance, and of a community forever altered by the events inside one unassuming home.
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