The Indiana State Police (ISP) has initiated an investigation following the discovery of four bodies in a Wolcottville, Indiana house. The grim find was made during a routine welfare check on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Following a call for a welfare check around 11:20 a.m., officers from the Wolcottville Police Department arrived at a South Main Street residence, located near Wolcottville United Methodist Church. Upon arrival, the bodies of a woman and three children were discovered.
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 manner of their deaths have yet to be disclosed, as autopsies and toxicology reports are awaited.
After finding the bodies, the Wolcottville Police Department reached out to the Indiana State Police. Responding to the call, the ISP sent detectives and crime scene investigators to the scene. The ISP is spearheading the ongoing investigation with support from the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Noble County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Noble County Coroner’s Office.
Police have announced that there is no current threat to public safety. However, they have not disclosed any additional information regarding the circumstances of the deaths.
The incident has deeply impacted the small town of Wolcottville, home to just over 1,000 residents. The community is mourning the loss of the young family, and a growing memorial can be seen outside the Hughes’ home.
Jonathan Newell, father of the three girls, has started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs. The fundraiser has received substantial support, gathering over $44,000 swiftly. In a GoFundMe statement, Newell implied that Rebecca “took them with her when she passed,” although authorities have not verified these details.
Community members remember fondly the sight of the three girls playing outside their home, and are struggling to come to terms with their tragic loss.
“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,” expressed Pam Laughlin, who knew the girls from Vacation Bible School.
Since the discovery on Tuesday, flowers and stuffed animals have started to accumulate on the doorstep of the home.
The incident has not only impacted Wolcottville but has also garnered statewide attention. Local officials are urging anyone with relevant information to step forward and contact the Indiana State Police.
