Pennsylvania Mom Described in Detail How 4 Dead Newborns Were Hidden Throughout Her Home, Police Say
KITTANNING, PENNSYLVANIA — A 39-year-old Pennsylvania woman accused of hiding the bodies of four newborns throughout her home allegedly gave police a chilling, step-by-step account of how each infant died and was concealed, investigators testified this week.
Jessica M. Mauthe was arrested last month after her landlord discovered a baby’s remains wrapped in garbage bags and towels inside a closet during an eviction inspection. A deeper search revealed three more deceased infants stashed in tote bags and plastic buckets hidden in the attic, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Mauthe has been charged with criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, concealing the death of a child, and abuse of a corpse in connection with the grisly discoveries.
Landlord’s Discovery Uncovers Years of Tragedy
Authorities say Mauthe lived in the Armstrong County residence for years before she was evicted earlier this fall. The investigation began when her landlord stumbled upon the first baby’s remains while cleaning the property, prompting a full-scale search that led to the recovery of three additional bodies.
During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, prosecutors detailed what they called a disturbing pattern of secret births and concealment spanning at least six years.
“Each child was birthed in the bathroom and hidden afterward,” a state trooper testified, noting that Mauthe methodically described each baby’s birth and death to investigators.
Mother’s Own Words: ‘I Heard the Child Making Noises’
According to a probable cause affidavit, Mauthe allegedly admitted that all four children were born inside the bathroom of her home — often with no medical assistance.
She told police her first baby made a faint sound or “whimper” before she passed out and later woke up to find the child dead beneath her.
The second and third babies, referred to in court documents as “Baby B” and “Baby C,” were born in similar circumstances — though Mauthe said she couldn’t recall whether they were alive or stillborn.
For the fourth child, investigators testified that Mauthe admitted the baby was born alive in a toilet.
“She could hear the child making noises,” the affidavit said. “Mauthe removed the infant, wrapped it in a towel, and held the child until it stopped making sounds.”
Troopers said Mauthe acknowledged holding the baby for 15–20 minutes and later admitted she might have accidentally suffocated the infant by covering its mouth and nose.
Defense: ‘No Proof Any Baby Was Born Alive’
Mauthe’s defense attorney, Chuck Pascal, argued that prosecutors lacked medical evidence proving any of the babies were alive at birth.
“There was no evidence introduced today about any cause of death, about whether any baby was alive,” Pascal said in court. “You can’t confess to a crime that can’t be proven in some other way.”
He further suggested Mauthe’s recollections might have been distorted by the pain, blood loss, and disorientation of childbirth.
Prosecutors Move Forward With Full Charges
Despite the defense’s claims, District Judge J. Gary DeComo ruled that all charges would proceed to trial.
Investigators say the oldest child’s death occurred about six years ago, while the youngest was born roughly 18 months ago. Each remains found in the home has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and identification.
Mauthe remains jailed without bond at the Armstrong County Jail, awaiting a trial date.
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