Pennsylvania – According to the Pennsylvania authorities, new details have emerged in the case of a 39‑year‑old Pennsylvania parent, 39-year-old J. Mathe, who was arrested last month after authorities recovered four deceased lnfants from the home where she had been living for years prior to her eviction. The woman appeared for her preIiminary hearing on Tuesday before District Judge Decuomo, where she pleaded not guilty to one count each of criminaI homicide and invoIuntary manslaughter, as well as four counts each of conceaIing the death of a chiId and abuse of a corpse, court records show.
Investigators began the case following the parent’s eviction earlier this year from a rented house in Pennsylvania, when her landlord entered the property and discovered a foul odor emanating from a cIoset. He found a trash bag with something wrapped in towels and called law enforcement. State troopers subsequently searched the residence and found the remains of three additional lnfants hidden in the attic in plastic bags and tote containers, wrapped in towels and inside trash bags.
During testimony at the preliminary hearing, the Pennsylvania State Police troopers testified that the infants, referred to in court documents as Babies A, B, C and D, were born at home over a period of roughly six years, with some births dated five to six years ago and at least one about a year ago. They said the bodies were concealed in various parts of the house, including a children’s toy‑room closet and the attic.
In interviews with investigators, the mother admitted to giving birth to at least one newborn in a bathroom while sitting on a toiIet, hearing it make noise, then wrapping the baby in toweIs and towels until it stopped making noise or breathing. She told troopers that she passed out shortly thereafter and that the child was no longer alive when she awakened. She indicated she never sought medical attention, never alerted Pennsylvania authorities and hid the remains in her home.
Police said they also interviewed neighbors and acquaintances who said they had no indication she was pregnant. The neighborhood was described as close‑knit and supportive, and residents said they occasionally helped with her two young sons, ages 6 and 8, and were unaware of any pregnancy or newborn baby.
Investigators are reviewing medical records, interviewing friends, co‑workers and the woman’s incarcerated husband in order to establish exact timelines, causes of death and whether additional charges will be appropriate. They have also secured the home and are conducting forensic testing on the remains and the environment in which they were hidden. Officials emphasized that while the remains were discovered in the property after eviction, the investigation is ongoing and many forensic and background checks remain to be completed.
At the preliminary hearing, thejudge held all charges against the parent and committed the case to the court of common pleas for further proceedings. The woman is being held without bail in the county jail. Prosecutors indicated additional charges could be filed once forensic results are finalized.
Neighbors and local community members expressed shock and sorrow at the discovery. Many described the family and the mother as quiet and regular, saying they were unaware of the woman’s pregnancies or any newborns in the home. Several pointed to the fact that the remains had been hidden in what appeared to be normal household storage, and that the landlord only found them during cleanup after eviction.
Because the matter is still under investigation, authorities reminded the public that the charges against the parent are allegations and that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. They asked anyone with information to contact the Pennsylvania State Police.
