A horrifying discovery in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, has shocked the community and drawn national attention. Jessica Mauthe, 39, of Ford City, is facing multiple charges after authorities uncovered the bodies of deceased infants in her former residence in nearby Cadogan Township.
Initially, reports indicated that three infants had been found dead in the home Mauthe had been renting. However, further investigation revealed a fourth infant’s remains, bringing the total to four.
How the infants’ remains were discovered
The grim discovery began when the property’s landlord, during a routine cleaning after Mauthe’s eviction, found a foul-smelling trash bag in a closet. Upon inspection, the bag contained the body of a deceased infant. Subsequent searches led authorities to find two additional infants’ bodies in totes in the attic. A fourth infant’s remains were later uncovered, though specific details of its location have not been publicly disclosed.
In interviews with investigators, Mauthe admitted to giving birth to the infants and concealing their bodies. She described the first birth occurring in her bathroom about a year ago, where the infant was left in the toilet for several minutes before she wrapped it in towels until it stopped breathing and placed it in a closet.
She similarly admitted to birthing, suffocating, and hiding the other infants’ bodies in the attic. Mauthe has been charged with criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse. She is currently held in the Armstrong County Jail without bail.
The local community has expressed profound shock and disgust over the revelations. Neighbors described the situation as “evil” and “beyond sick,” with some stating they were so disturbed by the news that it affected their daily routines.
Investigators are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact causes of death for each infant. The Pennsylvania State Police continue to gather evidence, including medical records and interviews with Mauthe’s acquaintances, as they build their case.
Mauthe’s surviving children
Mauthe has two surviving children, ages 6 and 8, who are currently under the care of child protective services. The community has rallied to support the children, with neighbors recalling how they often helped care for them. One neighbor mentioned, “If they needed to eat, we fed them,” highlighting the close-knit nature of the community.
As of September 16, 2025, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of Mauthe’s actions and any potential motives. Legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks
Published: Sep 17, 2025 05:05 am