A dreadful sight awaited law enforcement officials when a landlord reported finding a deceased infant at a tenant’s residence. Shockingly, this was just the beginning of a disturbing discovery.
In recent news, a deceased child was found at the dwelling of Jessica Mauthe, a 39-year-old occupant of the property for several years. The infant was located wrapped in towels and garbage bags, hidden in a closet. Mauthe, who recently faced a preliminary hearing, was taken into custody following this grim revelation. Upon investigating the residence, authorities uncovered the remains of three more newborns, placed in tote bags and buckets, concealed in the attic.
During a 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. Records indicate that the homicide charges pertain to the most recent child Mauthe delivered about 18 months ago, while the manslaughter charges relate to the first child born approximately six years ago.
According to a Pennsylvania State trooper’s testimony, Mauthe detailed the circumstances of each of the four infants, all born in the bathroom. Mauthe allegedly mentioned that the initial baby emitted a “whimper” before she lost consciousness. She claimed to have awoken lying on top of the infant, who she believed had already passed away.
Information regarding the second and third infants remains unclear, with no confirmation of their status at birth. Mauthe asserted that the third child, identified as “Baby C” in legal documents, made no sounds after delivery in the toilet. The fourth infant, also delivered in the bathroom, was allegedly killed by Mauthe.
In a sworn affidavit, law enforcement stated that the infant in the toilet was heard making noises for several minutes before Mauthe wrapped it in a towel until it ceased vocalizing. Mauthe admitted to holding the infant for about 15 to 20 minutes until it stopped making noise, expressing uncertainty about the cause of death.
Mauthe’s defense attorney, Chuck Pascal, argued against the homicide and manslaughter charges, citing a lack of evidence regarding the infants’ causes of death. Pascal suggested that Mauthe’s post-childbirth mental state, characterized by pain, pressure, and blood loss, might have influenced her confessions.
As of now, Mauthe remains incarcerated in the Armstrong County Jail without bond, facing multiple legal charges. The schedule for her forthcoming court appearance is presently unknown.
