Wolcottville, Indiana, a small and tight-knit community, was left in shock this week after a tragic discovery in a home just south of County Line Road. The Noble County Coroner has identified the victims as 32-year-old Rebecca Hughes and her three young daughters, Evalynn Newell, age 8, Allison Newell, age 6, and Amelia Newell, age 5. They were found dead by officers from the Wolcottville Police Department on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Though the coroner has not officially confirmed the cause or manner of death, Rebecca’s estranged partner and father of the children, Jonathan Newell, has revealed through a GoFundMe post that the incident was a murder-suicide. Jonathan, who lives in nearby Kendallville, is seeking financial assistance for the funeral costs, explaining the devastating personal loss he has suffered.
“My name is Jonathan Newell,” he wrote. “These are my daughters, Evalynn, Ally, and Mia. I need help with funeral costs for all three. I don’t ask people for help, but these kids deserve so much more than I can provide for their burials. Rebecca, their mom, took them with her when she passed on 09/17/2024. If you can, everything helps. If you need to be paid back after, I can make payments. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the quiet town of Wolcottville, which has a population of just under 1,000 people. Neighbors, family members, and friends have been gathering in mourning, laying flowers, lighting candles, and leaving mementos at the family home on Kelly Street. The front steps of the house have become a small but poignant memorial for the girls, with tributes steadily accumulating since the news broke.
Pam Laughlin, a neighbor who had seen the girls playing just days before the tragedy, expressed her heartbreak: “They were beautiful little girls that I would often see out here playing. They were always on the trampoline, laughing, while their dog barked and played with them. Now, there’s just silence. It’s unbearable.”
Another neighbor mentioned how hard it is for the community to reconcile such a horrific act with the memories they had of the family. “You never think something like this can happen in a place like Wolcottville. It’s small, we know each other. Those girls were always so happy. This doesn’t feel real,” the neighbor said.
While the details surrounding this case are still unfolding, experts on domestic violence point out that murder-suicides involving family members are often the result of long-standing domestic abuse, mental health struggles, or other severe family dysfunctions. According to data from the Violence Policy Center, approximately 1,200 to 1,500 murder-suicide cases occur in the United States every year. The majority of these cases involve intimate partners, and children are frequently caught in the crossfire.
It’s not yet clear if there were any warning signs in this particular case, and local authorities have not released any information regarding previous incidents involving the family. However, the fact that the coroner has not yet confirmed the cause of death suggests that investigators are proceeding with caution as they continue to gather evidence.
For Jonathan Newell, the father who is now left grieving the loss of all three of his daughters, the reality of this unimaginable situation is slowly setting in. His GoFundMe plea for help with funeral expenses has captured the attention of both local residents and people beyond Wolcottville. Many have responded with donations and messages of support, sharing in his pain and offering condolences.
“It’s just hard to believe,” said one family friend. “I remember when Evalynn was born. I saw all of them grow up together. To think they’re gone now, just like that… it’s a pain I can’t even begin to imagine.”
As the investigation continues, the small community remains in a state of collective grief. The memories of Evalynn, Allison, and Amelia are held close by those who knew them, with many struggling to comprehend the tragic loss of such innocent lives.
As Wolcottville mourns this profound loss, many are stepping up to offer support. Jonathan Newell’s GoFundMe page continues to raise funds for the girls’ funerals, with messages of sympathy pouring in from people moved by the tragedy.
Mental health advocates emphasize the importance of reaching out for help in times of crisis. In Indiana, several helplines and support networks are available for those experiencing domestic violence or emotional distress, including the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
For now, the town of Wolcottville, like many others across the country, is left grappling with the harsh reality of a family tragedy that has shattered lives and shaken the community to its core. As they mourn the loss of four lives, they hold onto the memories of the laughter that once filled the quiet streets.