A shocking discovery unfolded for law enforcement officers when a landlord reported finding a deceased infant at a tenant’s residence. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of a disturbing revelation.
Recently, authorities found the lifeless body of a baby at the dwelling of Jessica Mauthe, a 39-year-old individual who had resided at the property for an extended period. The infant was wrapped in towels and garbage bags, hidden in a closet. Subsequently, Mauthe was arrested after the grim uncovering. Upon further investigation at the residence, officers came across the remains of three more newborns, concealed in tote bags and buckets in the attic.
During a court appearance before District Judge J. Gary DeComo in western Pennsylvania, Mauthe pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, concealing a child’s death, and abusing a corpse.
According to a Pennsylvania State trooper’s testimony, the homicide charges pertain to the most recent child Mauthe delivered approximately 18 months ago, while the manslaughter charges relate to the initial child born around six years ago.
Testimony revealed that Mauthe provided details about each of the four infants, all born in a bathroom. She claimed that the first baby emitted a sound before losing consciousness. Additionally, Mauthe recounted waking up on top of the child, who she alleged had already passed away.
Information regarding the second and third infants remains vague, with no clarity on whether they were alive or stillborn. Mauthe purportedly stated that the third child, identified as “Baby C” in legal documents, did not make any noise after birth. The fourth baby, also delivered in the bathroom, was reportedly killed by Mauthe.
As per a probable cause affidavit, Mauthe recounted that the infant remained in the toilet for several minutes, during which she heard the child making sounds. She proceeded to wrap the baby in a towel until it ceased making noise.
Mauthe admitted to holding the baby for around 15 to 20 minutes until it stopped making sounds, expressing uncertainty over whether the death resulted from her firm grip or from suffocation due to covering the child’s nose and mouth, as testified by the trooper.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Mauthe’s defense attorney, Chuck Pascal, argued against the homicide and manslaughter charges, citing a lack of evidence regarding the infants’ causes of death.
Pascal suggested that Mauthe’s statements should be viewed cautiously, as she might have been in a disoriented state post-childbirth due to pain, pressure, and blood loss.
Currently held without bond at the Armstrong County Jail, Mauthe faces multiple charges, with the date of her next court appearance pending.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com