Police officers were met with a horrifying sight when a landlord reported finding a deceased baby at a tenant’s residence. This shocking discovery was just the beginning of a disturbing series of events.
The lifeless infant was uncovered last month in the dwelling of Jessica Mauthe, a 39-year-old resident of the property. The baby was wrapped in towels and garbage bags, hidden in a closet. Following this grim find, Mauthe was arrested and appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, facing charges related to the deaths of four newborns found 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 criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, concealing a child’s death, and abusing a corpse. The charges stem from incidents involving the most recent child born approximately 18 months ago, and the first child born around six years ago.
According to testimony from law enforcement, Mauthe provided details about each of the infants, all born in the bathroom. She claimed the first baby made a sound before losing consciousness, and she found herself lying on top of the deceased child. Information about the second and third babies is unclear, while Mauthe alleged that the third baby, known as “Baby C,” did not make any noise after birth. The fourth newborn was reportedly murdered by Mauthe.
In a police affidavit, it was stated that Mauthe admitted to wrapping the last baby in a towel until it stopped making noises after being removed from the toilet. The trooper testified that Mauthe held the infant for a period before its death, unsure if it was due to her grip or suffocation.
Mauthe’s defense attorney argued in court that the prosecution lacked evidence of the babies’ causes of death, casting doubt on Mauthe’s confessions. He suggested that her statements might have been influenced by post-childbirth conditions like pain and blood loss, leading her to a confused state.
Currently incarcerated at the Armstrong County Jail without bond, Mauthe faces multiple charges awaiting her next court appearance date.