A horrifying scene unfolded for law enforcement officers when a landlord reported discovering an infant’s body at a tenant’s residence. This grim finding was just the beginning of a disturbing situation.
Recently, a deceased baby was found at the dwelling of Jessica Mauthe, a 39-year-old tenant who had been residing there for an extended period. The infant was wrapped in towels and garbage bags, hidden in a closet. Following this shocking revelation, Mauthe was arrested and appeared in court for her preliminary hearing. Upon entering the disturbing property, authorities uncovered the remains of three more newborns, concealed in tote bags and buckets in the attic.
During her court appearance before District Judge J. Gary DeComo in western Pennsylvania, Mauthe pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, concealing a child’s death, and abusing a corpse. Court records indicate that the homicide charges pertain to the most recent child born around 18 months ago, while the manslaughter charges relate to the first child born approximately six years ago.
Testimony from a Pennsylvania State trooper revealed that Mauthe gave birth to all four children in the bathroom. Mauthe claimed that the first baby emitted a noise before she lost consciousness, waking up to find the infant deceased. Details about the second and third infants’ statuses remain unclear, with Mauthe stating that the third child, referred to as “Baby C,” did not make any sound upon delivery. Allegedly, the fourth child, also born in the bathroom, was intentionally killed by Mauthe.
According to a police affidavit, Mauthe admitted to holding the baby for a period before it ceased making sounds, expressing uncertainty about the cause of death. The defense attorney argued that Mauthe should not face homicide and manslaughter charges without concrete evidence of the babies’ causes of death.
Mauthe is currently detained at Armstrong County Jail without bond, facing multiple criminal charges. The date for her next court appearance is pending.