Pennsylvania Woman Arrested After Three Dead Infants Found in Cadogan Township Home

Authorities in Cadogan Township, Pennsylvania, United States, have arrested a 39-year-old woman after three deceased infants were discovered inside a rented home from which she had recently been evicted. Police confirmed the suspect, Jessica M. Mauthe, is facing serious charges.

Discovery of the Infants

The investigation began when the property owner called 911 on Saturday after finding a deceased baby inside the home on Oak Avenue. The owner, who had evicted Mauthe about a month earlier, reported a foul odor while cleaning for the next tenant. Upon searching a closet, the landlord discovered a trash bag containing a towel-wrapped body.

The coroner was called and confirmed the remains belonged to an infant. Pennsylvania State Police launched a full investigation, which led to further discoveries inside the house.

Additional Remains Found in Attic

During a detailed search of the residence, investigators located two tote bags in the attic. One contained a baby’s remains wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag. The other tote bag held a bucket with a towel-wrapped body inside a trash bag.

Authorities confirmed that a total of three deceased infants were found on the property.

Suspect’s Admissions

Investigators questioned Mauthe, who admitted that she had given birth to the infant found in the closet approximately one year earlier. She told police that she delivered the child while seated on a toilet and heard the baby make noises. She then wrapped the infant in a towel until the noises stopped, placed the body in garbage bags, and left it in the closet.

Mauthe also admitted to giving birth to the other two infants later found in the attic.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation

Mauthe has been charged with one count of criminal homicide and one count of abuse of a corpse in connection with the first infant’s remains. Prosecutors said the current charges only apply to the discovery of the baby found in the closet.

District Attorney Katie Charlton said additional charges may be filed once autopsy results for the two other infants are complete. Mauthe remains in custody at Armstrong County Jail without bond.