Pennsylvania mother accused of concealing deaths of four newborns in home
Authorities say Jessica Mauthe gave birth to four infants over six years and hid their remains in plastic containers inside her residence.
Authorities in Cadogan, Pennsylvania, have charged a woman with multiple counts of homicide after the remains of four newborns were found inside her home. The discovery came in September, when the property’s landlord entered to clean following an eviction and uncovered what police later described as a deeply disturbing scene.
According to CBS News, the suspect, Jessica Mauthe, 36, admitted to giving birth to the infants over a period of six years and concealing their remains. Each child was reportedly hidden in a different location throughout the house.
The Discovery
Landlord Brent Flanigan told reporters he was preparing the property for new tenants when he noticed a strong odor coming from a closet. Inside a trash bag, he found what appeared to be human remains. “Whenever we moved the bag, it was just overwhelming, overpowering,” he said. “That is why we took it outside and opened it up.”
Police were called immediately. After searching the home, investigators found the remains of four infants — one in a bucket, others wrapped in towels and sealed inside plastic totes or bags.
The Investigation and Arrest
The Pennsylvania State Police said Mauthe admitted she had delivered the babies at home, often in the bathroom, and that at least some of them were born alive. She reportedly told investigators that one or more of the infants fell into the toilet during delivery.
In testimony cited by NBC News, investigators said Mauthe gave varying explanations for why she did not seek medical help or report the births. She allegedly told police she feared legal consequences because she had been taking a prescription anti-addiction medication without authorization.
Mauthe was arrested in October and charged with four counts of criminal homicide. She is currently being held at the Armstrong County Jail without bond.
Defense Response
Her defense attorney, Chuck Pascal, urged the public not to rush to judgment. “This is the beginning of a very long process, and I would just ask people not to make assumptions before all the evidence is in,” Pascal told reporters.
He added that mental health would likely be a factor in her defense. “There was no evidence introduced today about any cause of death, about whether any baby was alive, any scientific evidence,” he said. “You’ve got to question anything that Miss Mauthe may have said — she may not know.”
As of this week, authorities have not confirmed when Mauthe’s trial will begin. The Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office said forensic testing is underway to determine the cause and timing of each infant’s death.
The case has shocked the small community of Cadogan, a town of roughly 400 residents located northeast of Pittsburgh. Local officials say counseling and mental health services are being made available to those affected by the discovery.
Jessica Mauthe remains in custody as investigators continue to piece together what happened inside her home. The Armstrong County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police have stated that the results of the autopsies will guide further charges and determine whether any of the infants were born alive.
Until then, the small Pennsylvania town where the case unfolded waits for answers — and for justice for the four children whose lives ended before they began.
