The Indiana State Police (ISP) initiated an investigation on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, after the bodies of an adult woman and three children were discovered during a welfare check in Wolcottville, Indiana. Four bodies were found in the house during the routine check.
The Wolcottville Police Department received a call for a welfare check at a South Main Street residence around 11:20 a.m., located near the Wolcottville United Methodist Church. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered the bodies.
The victims were identified by the Noble County Coroner as Rebecca Hughes, 32, and her three daughters Evelyn Newell, 8, Allison Newell, 6, and Amelia Newell, 5. The cause and circumstances of their deaths are yet to be disclosed pending autopsy and toxicology report results.
Following the discovery, the Wolcottville Police Department sought assistance from the ISP, resulting in the dispatch of detectives and crime scene investigators. The investigation is now being led by the ISP, with support from the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Noble County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Noble County Coroner’s Office.
While the authorities have assured the public that there is no current threat, they have not released any additional information regarding the circumstances of the deaths.
The incident has greatly impacted the small town of Wolcottville, Indiana, home to just over 1,000 residents. The community is in mourning, with a growing memorial outside the Hughes residence. The shock and grief over the loss of the young family is palpable among neighbors.
Jonathan Newell, the father of the three girls, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs, raising nearly $44,000 in a short time. Newell hinted on the GoFundMe page that Rebecca “took them with her when she passed,” but officials have not confirmed any details regarding the nature of the deaths.
Residents recall seeing the three girls playing outside and struggle to come to terms with their sudden disappearance.
Pam Laughlin, who knew the girls from Vacation Bible School, said, “I wish it could have been me instead of those girls because I’ve lived my life, and they didn’t even have a chance,” as flowers and stuffed animals began to pile up on the doorstep of the home.
The incident has sent shockwaves beyond Wolcottville, attracting attention statewide. Officials are encouraging anyone with any potentially relevant information to contact the Indiana State Police.