A shocking discovery unfolded as police responded to a landlord’s report of finding a deceased infant at a tenant’s residence. Regrettably, this initial finding led to even more disturbing revelations.
In a recent incident, the lifeless body of a baby was found at the dwelling of Jessica Mauthe, a 39-year-old tenant who had been residing at the location for an extended period. The infant was located wrapped in towels and garbage bags, concealed within a closet. Following this grim uncovering, Mauthe was taken into custody after appearing in court for a preliminary hearing. Upon further investigation at the residence, law enforcement officers uncovered the remains of three additional newborns, hidden 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 the death of a child, and abuse of a corpse. Law enforcement records indicate that the homicide charges are linked to the most recent child Mauthe delivered approximately 18 months ago, while the manslaughter charges pertain to the first child born about six years ago.
According to testimony from a Pennsylvania State trooper, Mauthe provided details about each of the four children she had delivered, all born in the bathroom. Mauthe claimed that the first child emitted a faint sound before she lost consciousness, waking up later to find the infant lifeless beneath her. Details surrounding the second and third infants are unclear at present, with no information confirming whether they were born alive or stillborn. Mauthe alleged that the third child, referred to as “Baby C,” did not make any noise upon delivery in the bathroom. The fourth child, born in the same location, was reportedly murdered by Mauthe.
In a sworn statement, law enforcement recounted that Mauthe acknowledged holding the fourth child for several minutes until it ceased making sounds. She expressed uncertainty regarding the cause of death, speculating that it could have resulted from her grip or suffocation due to covering the child’s nose and mouth.
Mauthe’s defense attorney, Chuck Pascal, argued against the homicide and manslaughter charges, citing a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the infants’ causes of death. Pascal suggested that Mauthe’s statements might not be reliable, given the physical and emotional toll of childbirth, leading her to a disoriented state.
As of now, Mauthe remains incarcerated in Armstrong County Jail without bond, facing multiple criminal charges. The date for her upcoming court appearance is pending.