ARMSTRONG COUNTY, Pa. — What began as a landlord’s attempt to clean out a recently vacated rental has turned into one of the most chilling criminal investigations in Pennsylvania in years. Four infant remains have been discovered inside a Cadogan Township home, and the woman who once lived there — Jessica Mauthe, 39 — now faces multiple homicide charges.
Authorities say the gruesome sequence began in August, when the property owner entered the house after evicting Mauthe. He was met by a foul odor coming from a closet and found what appeared to be the body of a baby wrapped inside a trash bag. Shocked, he called police, prompting an immediate response from Pennsylvania State Troopers.
A careful search of the property revealed three more sets of remains, hidden in bags and towels in different parts of the house, including the attic. Investigators said the infants appeared to have died at different times, though complete autopsy results are still pending.
A Disturbing Pattern
Court documents describe a troubling account provided by Mauthe during questioning. She allegedly admitted to giving birth to the infants alone, without medical care, over a span of several years. After each birth, according to investigators, she concealed the newborns’ bodies rather than seeking help or notifying anyone.
Mauthe is now charged with four counts of criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, and concealing the death of a child. She remains in custody at the Armstrong County Jail without bail. Prosecutors say additional charges could follow once medical examiners determine exactly how the babies died.
Community in Shock
Cadogan Township is a close-knit area where neighbors say news of the case has left them stunned and heartbroken. Some recalled smelling an unusual odor when passing the house but said they never suspected anything so grave. “It’s beyond comprehension,” one resident said. “We all wish we could have done something.”
Authorities and local leaders have asked residents to avoid spreading speculation on social media and to respect the privacy of the families involved as investigators complete their work.
Wider Concerns
Child-welfare experts say the case highlights ongoing challenges surrounding access to prenatal care, mental health resources, and awareness of Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven law, which allows parents to safely surrender infants at hospitals or police stations without penalty. Advocates are urging anyone struggling with an unplanned pregnancy to reach out for support.
What Lies Ahead
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death for all four children. A preliminary court hearing for Mauthe is expected in the coming weeks.
As detectives continue to piece together the timeline, the modest house on a quiet Cadogan street has become the center of a heartbreaking story — one that has left a small town and an entire region searching for answers while mourning lives lost too soon.