In a deeply tragic event, police found the bodies of a mother and her three young daughters inside their home in Wolcottville, Indiana. The investigation is still ongoing, while the girls’ father, Jonathan Newell, has spoken publicly about the heartbreaking loss.

On September 17, officers from the Wolcottville Police Department were called to a residence on South Main Street to perform a welfare check after receiving concerns about the family living there.

Responding to the call around 11:20 a.m., police arrived and made a devastating discovery—four people were found deceased inside the house, including a woman and her three children.

State authorities, including the Indiana State Police, were quickly brought in to lead the investigation. The Noble County Coroner later identified the deceased as 32-year-old Rebecca Hughes and her daughters, Evalynn Newell (8), Allison Newell (6), and Amelia Newell (5).

Autopsies have been completed, but final reports—including toxicology results—are still pending.

Law enforcement has stated there is no current danger to the public, though many details surrounding the deaths remain unknown.

As investigators work to piece together what happened, the local community has been left stunned and grieving. Meanwhile, Jonathan Newell, the children’s father, shared his thoughts and emotions during an emotional interview.

Jonathan recalled the days leading up to the discovery. He admitted that he initially believed Rebecca might have taken the children and left, noting, “I had mentally prepared myself to think she just ran off with the girls. She’d done a few things that kind of made me think she wasn’t going to cooperate.”

He shared his story in a video dated September 20, 2024, revealing his heartbreak and confusion over the situation.

Jonathan had been pursuing more time with his daughters, requesting court-ordered visitation twice a month. Despite his exhausting work schedule—sometimes spanning three shifts a day—he continued to show up for court and remain involved.

On the day of the tragedy, Jonathan had just fallen asleep after working all night. A sudden call from his mother woke him, filled with panic and concern. Trying to stay calm, he responded, “Don’t worry, everything’s fine. The kids are fine.”

However, after seeing alarming posts circulating on Facebook, he grew worried. He tried contacting law enforcement for information, but they wouldn’t confirm anything over the phone. Driven by anxiety, he decided to go to Rebecca’s house himself.

Just as he was about to leave, there was a knock at his door. Two police officers stood outside. In that moment, Jonathan learned the unbearable truth—his daughters were gone.

He later shared how surreal everything felt in the hours and days afterward. “Sometimes you’re angry. Sometimes you’re just numb. Other times it doesn’t even feel real,” he explained.

Jonathan said that at times he would still feel as if the girls were just at their mom’s place, and he could visit them any time. Then reality would hit again: they were no longer alive.

As he opened up about his sorrow, Jonathan also admitted to feeling conflicted about his grief. He described it as selfish, calling it a “me emotion,” and wrestled with guilt over what he might have done differently.

“I blame myself,” he admitted. “I think about all the things I could’ve done. If I wasn’t tired or irritable after work… Maybe something would’ve changed.”

The sudden loss has shaken the small town of Wolcottville to its core.

In the days following the news, neighbors created a memorial outside the family’s home. Flowers, stuffed animals, and heartfelt notes filled the front lawn, offering tribute to the lives lost.

Pam Laughlin, a fellow church member, shared her heartbreak during a local news interview. Struggling to speak through tears, she said, “I couldn’t even eat my breakfast. My stomach turned just thinking of those girls.”

She added, “I wish it could’ve been me instead.”

Others in the neighborhood echoed her pain. Greg Williams, who lived nearby, recalled seeing Rebecca shortly before the tragedy. “I saw her mowing the yard that Friday,” he said. “She looked normal. I just waved and went on with my day.”

A few days later, the family was gone.

Williams expressed hope that the tragedy might inspire others to check in more often with neighbors and loved ones. “This hit us all hard. Maybe it brings the community closer,” he said.

He also offered sympathy for Jonathan. “My heart goes out to him. I can’t imagine that kind of pain.”

Amid the devastation, community members rallied to support Jonathan. He launched a GoFundMe page to help cover the funeral costs, and donations quickly poured in.

“This is the last thing I can really do for my girls,” Jonathan shared.

The fundraiser quickly exceeded its $30,000 goal within half a day. As of the latest figures, contributions had passed $45,000, and messages of love and support continue to arrive.

Jonathan was overcome with gratitude. “People I don’t even know are reaching out, giving what they can, writing messages. It means everything.”

He later posted a heartfelt thank-you message to those who donated, saying he hopes to thank each person individually when he’s able. “I had a lot to handle today for the girls. Please don’t be upset if I haven’t responded yet,” he wrote.

As the public mourns the children, some have also spoken out in defense of Rebecca Hughes. Her friend, Ashley McAtee, took to Facebook to express that Rebecca, too, should be remembered.

Ashley posted photos of Rebecca and wrote, “I haven’t seen a single post honoring Rebecca’s memory, so I’m sharing these.”

She acknowledged the unknowns but asked people to consider the complexity of Rebecca’s struggles. “Nobody knows what exactly happened or why. But she loved her kids. I think she was going through something serious—emotionally and mentally—and didn’t get the help she needed.”

Ashley remembered Rebecca as quiet with strangers but vibrant and joyful with friends. “She was sweet, funny, and truly loved those girls. I hope she’s at peace now.”

Moved by what happened, Jonathan is now determined to advocate for mental health awareness—especially for struggling parents. He believes it’s a way to turn his daughters’ memory into something that might help others.

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out,” he urged in an interview. “Call me. We’ll talk.”

In another statement, he added, “If you’re a parent and you’re struggling, please ask for help. You never know when it’ll be your last chance.”

As the investigation continues, the community of Wolcottville remains united in grief and hope—seeking answers, healing, and a path forward after unimaginable loss.