Cadogan Township, PA — A 39-year-old woman from Cadogan Township is facing disturbing charges of criminal homicide involving an infant and abuse of a corpse after authorities discovered the remains of multiple deceased infants in a property she previously rented. The case, which has shocked Armstrong County and beyond, is now moving forward in the courts as investigators piece together the grim details.
Arrest and Charges
Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39, was taken into custody and lodged in the Armstrong County Jail on Sunday. She was arraigned by Rural Valley Magisterial District Judge Kevin Lee McCausland, who denied bail due to the severity of the charges, particularly the homicide count.
Mauthe faces charges of criminal homicide involving an infant and abuse of a corpse. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues and forensic testing on the remains is completed.
Discovery of Infant Remains
The case began around 3:04 p.m. on Saturday, when the South Buffalo Township Police Department contacted the Pennsylvania State Police Troop D in Kittanning regarding a possible deceased infant discovered inside a vacant residence at 139 Oak Lane, Cadogan Township.
According to court documents and an affidavit of probable cause filed by PSP Trooper Justin Simons, the property owner, Brent Flanigan, alerted authorities after discovering remains while inspecting the home. Flanigan confirmed that Mauthe had been evicted from the residence on August 14 of this year.
What investigators found was far more horrifying: in addition to the first discovery, law enforcement later confirmed that multiple suspected infant remains were recovered from within the residence.
Investigation and Forensic Review
The Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Katie M. Charlton, directed state police to lead the investigation. Forensic experts are now examining the recovered remains to determine cause of death, identity, and how long they may have been in the residence.
Officials have not released a specific number of infants recovered, citing the ongoing nature of the forensic review. However, they have confirmed that at least one case involves a charge of criminal homicide against Mauthe, while additional remains could potentially bring more charges.
Legal Proceedings
Mauthe is currently being held without bail at Armstrong County Jail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on September 23 before Ford City Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo.
Prosecutors are expected to present initial evidence, including findings from the residence and statements made by the property owner. Depending on what the forensic examination reveals, the case could expand in scope before trial.
Community Shock and Reaction
News of the case has spread rapidly across Armstrong County and western Pennsylvania, leaving many residents horrified. Cadogan Township, a small rural community, has rarely seen a case of this nature.
Neighbors expressed disbelief, with one longtime resident saying, “It’s sickening. We never expected something like this to happen so close to home.”
Community organizations and local faith leaders have already begun discussing vigils for the infants, noting that the tragedy transcends criminal proceedings and touches on broader issues of loss, grief, and justice for the most vulnerable.
Next Steps
Authorities will continue their investigation in coordination with forensic pathologists and the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office. Additional details are expected to be released after the September 23 preliminary hearing.
For now, the case stands as one of the most disturbing criminal investigations in recent Armstrong County history — one that raises difficult questions and underscores the need for thorough judicial review.
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