A Pennsylvania woman is facing serious criminal charges following a grim discovery by her landlord. Jessica Mauthe was evicted from her Cadogan home in September, prompting landlord Brent Flanigan to clean the property. During the cleanup, he detected a powerful odor coming from a closet and investigated a trash bag. What he found inside was the body of an infant, leading to an immediate call to the police.
The initial discovery was only the beginning. A subsequent search of the residence revealed the remains of three other newborns. According to court documents, the infants were found in disturbing conditions, each one stuffed inside plastic storage totes and wrapped in towels and plastic bags. One of the children was discovered inside a bucket, painting a harrowing picture of the scene that confronted investigators.
Jessica Mauthe has since been charged in connection with the deaths. During preliminary hearings, state police testified that Mauthe admitted to giving birth to four children over a span of six years. She reportedly referred to them as Child A, B, C, and D. Her statements to investigators included claims that some of the babies were born alive, while others fell into the toilet during birth and did not make any sounds.
The case is now entering a complex legal phase. Mauthe’s defense attorney, Chuck Pascal, has indicated that mental health issues may be a significant factor. He has urged the public not to make assumptions, noting that no scientific evidence regarding the cause of death was presented in the initial hearing. Mauthe remains in the Armstrong County Jail without bond as the investigation continues and the community grapples with the tragedy.
