A tragic incident unfolded in the small town of Wolcottville, Indiana, where a mother and her three young daughters were found dead in their home. The incident, which occurred in late summer 2024, was recently confirmed by authorities as a murder-suicide.
On September 17, 2024, local law enforcement responded to a welfare check at a residence on South Main Street, approximately 40 miles north of Fort Wayne. Upon entering the home, officers discovered the bodies of Rebecca Hughes, 32, and her three daughters, Evelyn Newell, 8, Allison Newell, 6, and Amelia Newell, 5.
The Noble County Coroner’s report, obtained by local news affiliates, confirmed that Hughes had taken her own life and those of her children. The cause of death for all four was determined to be inert gas asphyxiation. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths have not been released.
Jonathan Newell, the father of the deceased children, had long suspected that his daughters were victims of a violent act. In an emotional interview with local media, Newell expressed his grief and confusion over the tragic event. He questioned whether his limited visitation rights had somehow contributed to the tragic outcome.
Newell, who was working a third shift on the day of the incident, recalled receiving a distressing call from his mother about the girls’ absence. As the day unfolded, he noticed disturbing comments on social media and became increasingly concerned when police declined to share information over the phone.
Upon deciding to visit his children’s residence, Newell was met by two detectives at his doorstep. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Newell set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, raising approximately $47,000 in less than a week. He later requested that people stop donating, stating that his daughters deserved more than he could provide for their burials.
In his grief, Newell expressed hope that the tragic loss of his children could serve as a catalyst for increased awareness and treatment of mental health issues. He emphasized the need for better access to mental health resources for mothers and children.