Mom Arrested in Pennsylvania After Secret Births and Discovery of Four Dead Babies in Home

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 23, 2025

Cadogan Township, PA – Authorities have arrested Jessica Mauthe, 39, after the remains of four infants were found in her Pennsylvania home following her recent eviction. The shocking discovery revealed that Mauthe gave birth in secret multiple times, hiding the infants’ bodies while neighbors remained unaware of her pregnancies despite often caring for her young sons.

The grim find has left the Cadogan Township community reeling, as friends and neighbors grapple with how such a tragedy could unfold so quietly. According to police and court documents, three of the infants’ remains were found in the attic stored in bags, with one found in a bedroom closet on September 13.

Mauthe had recently been evicted from the house she inherited from her late father, and the landlord uncovered the initial remains after noting a foul odor in the property.

The Hidden Births and Discovery of Infants’ Remains

Court documents detailed chilling admissions by Mauthe to authorities. She revealed that she had given birth alone at least four times, with some infants born while she was seated on the toilet.

One baby was born about a year ago, remaining in the toilet for minutes while making sounds before Mauthe wrapped the infant in towels until the noises ceased and then placed the body in a closet.
On another occasion, after giving birth and hearing her infant whimper, she reportedly passed out and woke to the child’s death.
Additional babies were wrapped in towels and held until they stopped breathing, then hidden in the attic.

The Pennsylvania State Police are awaiting autopsy results and plan to further investigate, including obtaining Mauthe’s medical records and interviewing her acquaintances and incarcerated husband.

Community in Shock and Mourning

Neighbors expressed deep disbelief and sorrow over the situation. Carmen Felix, who frequently babysat Mauthe’s 6- and 8-year-old sons, said the community is shaken.

“It’s just evil. It’s beyond sick… The whole neighborhood is in shock.”

Felix confessed that no one had any idea Mauthe was pregnant, despite the close-knit nature of the neighborhood and their involvement with her children.

Elizabeth Germy, another local resident, described her horror and sadness upon learning about the tragedy:

“Very sick. Very disgusted. Sad for the two that are left behind, the living children. No words.”

Germy also noted an unusual odor in one specific bedroom during a visit helping the landlord, which later proved to be coming from the infants’ remains.

Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Jessica Mauthe faces multiple serious charges, including:

One count of criminal homicide
One count of involuntary manslaughter
Four counts of concealing the death of a child
Four counts of abuse of a corpse

Authorities report that earlier charges were withdrawn and replaced last week, with further charges expected. Mauthe is currently held without bail while the investigation continues.

Authorities noted that Mauthe’s husband is incarcerated and that she had minimal community support, despite neighbors attempting to help care for her children during difficult times.

For more information on the ongoing developments, visit the original source report by PEOPLE.

What Comes Next for the Community and Family?

The discovery has left a somber community grappling with the aftermath, as well as concern for the two surviving boys now orphaned amid this tragedy. Investigators continue to seek a full understanding of the circumstances, support services are being considered for the children, and the legal process unfolds.

Neighbors emphasize the importance of awareness and vigilance in supporting families facing challenges unseen by the public eye.

Key Points to Remember:

Four infants’ remains were discovered in Jessica Mauthe’s home following her eviction in September 2023.
Mauthe secretly gave birth multiple times without neighbors’ knowledge despite assistance with her two older sons.
She faces several criminal charges including homicide and concealment of child deaths.
The community remains shocked and saddened, expressing concern for the surviving children.

What do you think about this tragic case? Have you experienced or witnessed situations where neighbors provided unexpected support? Share your thoughts in the comments below!