Warning: This article discusses the sensitive topic of infant loss, which may be distressing for some readers.
In a shocking incident, a landlord uncovered a gruesome scene while cleaning out a rental property last month.
The residence in Cadogan Township, Pennsylvania, had been occupied by Jessica Mauthe for several years until her eviction in September 2025.
The arrest affidavit reveals that while tidying up the closet, the property owner discovered a trash bag emitting a strong, unpleasant odor.
Inside the bag, they reportedly found a deceased baby wrapped in a towel.
Upon this grim discovery, the landlord contacted the authorities. Police arrived and found three additional deceased newborns in the attic, each placed in tote bags, wrapped in towels, and encased in plastic bags, as reported by 6 ABC.
Jessica Mauthe, aged 39, has been arrested and faces charges of criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and multiple counts of corpse abuse.
It is believed that Mauthe’s first child was born six years ago, with the most recent birth occurring 18 months ago.
Court documents mention that some of the births took place on a toilet.
In a recent development, it was announced that Mauthe will proceed to trial following her preliminary hearing before an Armstrong County district magistrate.
During the hearing, defense attorney Chuck Pascal requested that the public “not make assumptions before all the evidence is in,” as reported by CBS News.
State police investigators testified that Mauthe confessed to giving birth to all four babies and allegedly stated that some of them were born alive.
According to police, Mauthe claimed she did not report the births because she was taking suboxone, an anti-addiction medication for which she lacked a prescription, and feared legal repercussions.
However, Pascal argued that Mauthe might have been in a “dream state” post-birth, suggesting her statements to the police might not be reliable.
“There was no evidence introduced today about any cause of death, about whether any baby was alive, any scientific evidence,” he stated, adding: “Therefore, you’ve got to question anything that Miss Mauthe may have said, whether it was accurate or not. She may not know.”
Mauthe’s trial date remains unset. She will stay in the Armstrong County Jail as bail has been denied.
If you require support and guidance following a pregnancy loss, Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support can be reached at 800-821-6819 or [email protected].