Wolcottville, Indiana – The Noble County Coroner has identified 32-year-old Rebecca Hughes and her three children, Evalynn Newell, 8, Allison Newell, 6, and Amelia Newell, 5, who were found deceased in their home on S. Main Street, Wolcottville, Indiana, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Officers from the Wolcottville Police Department conducted a welfare check at the residence around 11:20 a.m. after concerns were raised about the family’s well-being. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the tragic scene and immediately contacted the Indiana State Police (ISP) for further investigation.
While the official cause of death has not been publicly released by the coroner, Jonathan Newell, the father of the children, revealed in a fundraiser that the incident was a murder-suicide. He expressed his grief and sought help for funeral expenses for his daughters, stating, “These kids deserve so much more than what I can afford for their funerals.”
A small memorial has been set up outside the home, with flowers and candles placed on the steps as neighbors and friends remember the young girls. Pam Laughlin, a Wolcottville resident, recalled seeing the girls playing joyfully outside, saying, “The girls were lovely little girls that I would frequently see having fun on the trampoline.”
The Indiana State Police assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, though the investigation is still active.
Friends and community members shared their condolences on social media. Sarah Boyles, a freelance journalist, wrote, “Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragedy.” Many others, like Barbra Sisney Carden and Betty Brumfield, offered prayers for the family.
This heartbreaking event has deeply affected the community, and many continue to express their sorrow and support for the bereaved family during this difficult time.