Police officers were met with a horrifying scene when a landlord reported finding a baby’s body at a tenant’s residence. This discovery led to the unveiling of a more disturbing situation. The lifeless child was found at the home of Jessica Mauthe, a 39-year-old resident who had been living there for an extended period. The baby was hidden in a closet, wrapped in towels and garbage bags. Subsequently, three more newborns’ bodies were unearthed in tote bags and buckets concealed in the attic.
Jessica Mauthe appeared in court, where she pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, concealing a child’s death, and corpse abuse. The homicide charges are linked to the most recent child she gave birth to about 18 months ago, while the manslaughter charges are related to the first child born around six years ago. Mauthe provided details about the births of all four children, claiming they were delivered in the bathroom. She alleged that the first baby whimpered before losing consciousness and that she found herself lying on top of the deceased infant upon regaining consciousness.
Information regarding the second and third babies remains unclear, with no confirmation of their status at birth. Mauthe stated that the third baby, referred to as “Baby C,” made no noise after delivery, while the fourth child, also born in the bathroom, was allegedly murdered by Mauthe. According to the police affidavit, Mauthe admitted to wrapping the infant in a towel after hearing noises and holding the baby for 15 to 20 minutes until it stopped making sounds.
Mauthe’s defense attorney argued that there was a lack of evidence regarding the causes of death for the babies, questioning the validity of her confessions. He suggested that Mauthe might have been in a disoriented state following childbirth due to pain and blood loss. Mauthe is currently in custody, facing multiple charges and awaiting her next court appearance at the Armstrong County Jail.