Cadogan Township, PA – A 39-year-old woman has been arrested in Pennsylvania after authorities discovered the bodies of three dead infants hidden in a rented home. The grisly discovery was made after the homeowner, who had evicted Jessica M. Mauthe a month earlier, found the remains while cleaning for new tenants.
Discovery of the First Infant’s Remains
The investigation began on Saturday after the homeowner contacted 911 to report a disturbing find. The homeowner had been cleaning the rented residence on Oak Avenue in Cadogan Township when a foul odor led her to open a closet. Inside, she discovered a trash bag containing a decomposing infant wrapped in a towel. The Armstrong County Coroner confirmed the baby was deceased, prompting the involvement of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Further Search Uncovers More Bodies
During a follow-up search of the property, police discovered two additional bodies in the attic. Authorities said two tote bags contained the remains of infants, each wrapped in towels and placed in black trash bags. The bags were reportedly stored in the attic after Mauthe’s eviction.
Mauthe’s Admission and Gruesome Details
Following her arrest, Mauthe was interviewed by authorities, where she allegedly admitted to the deaths of the children. According to police, Mauthe confessed that she had given birth to the first child approximately one year ago while seated on her toilet. She claimed the baby was making noises but died after she wrapped it in a towel and left it in the closet.
Mauthe also admitted to giving birth to the other two children found in the attic, though details surrounding their deaths remain unclear. Autopsies are pending for the infants found in the attic, and additional charges are expected if the investigation warrants them.
Shocked Neighbors React
Neighbors were left stunned after learning of the horrific events. One neighbor, speaking to WTAE, expressed disbelief:
“Shocked. No one believed it. It’s just evil. How can you plop babies in the toilet?”
The community has been left reeling by the allegations, as many struggle to understand the brutality of the crimes.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mauthe has been charged with one count of criminal homicide and one count of abuse of a corpse for the infant found in the closet. She remains in Armstrong County Jail without bond. District Attorney Katie Charlton stated that additional charges would be filed if appropriate, depending on the results of the autopsies on the infants found in the attic.
Call to Action
This shocking case has left the community in disbelief, and the investigation continues. If you have any information, please contact local authorities. Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below and stay updated on this ongoing case.
