Mom Arrested After 4 Dead Babies are Found Hidden in Her Home

A Pennsylvania woman has been charged after police uncovered the remains of four infants hidden inside her former home following an eviction.

Authorities say the shocking discovery began on Sept. 13, when landlord Brent Flanigan went to clean out the Cadogan Township rental after evicting 39-year-old Jessica Mauthe in August for non-payment. Inside a closet, Flanigan noticed a foul odor coming from a trash bag and was horrified to find the remains of a baby. He immediately contacted police.

As investigators searched the home, they found two more tote bags in the attic, each containing another infant. Days later, on Sept. 18, police confirmed a fourth set of remains was also found inside the residence, bringing the total to four dead infants.

Mauthe, who is already a mother of two young boys, was charged with criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse. According to a criminal complaint, she admitted to secretly delivering the babies at home over the years and hiding their remains shortly after birth.

In one case about six years ago, Mauthe told investigators she gave birth in her bathroom and fainted after hearing the newborn whimper. When she regained consciousness, the baby was dead, and she concealed the body. In another instance, she allegedly wrapped an infant in a towel after hearing it cry, leaving it until it stopped making noises.

Police say Mauthe never sought medical help or told anyone about the births.

The Cadogan Township home where the remains were found was Mauthe’s childhood residence, which she took over after her father’s death. She lived there with her two sons, ages 6 and 8, while her husband is currently incarcerated.

Mauthe is now facing charges including criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, four counts of concealing the death of a child, and four counts of abuse of a corpse. She is being held in Armstrong County Jail without bail as the investigation continues.