Woman arraigned on several charges including fetal death concealment after deceased infants found

BLACKSTONE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The woman arrested Thursday in connection with the filthy conditions of a Blackstone home where the remains of three infants were found was held without bail after her arraignment Friday.

Erika Murray, 31, was charged with fetal death concealment out of wedlock, witness intimidation, animal cruelty, and permitting substantial injury to a child. Officials say they found remains of what appears to be three newborn babies, as well as skeletal animal remains.

Officials in hazmat suits investigated 23 St. Paul St. Wednesday night and again Thursday. The home was in "deplorable condition" with rats, feces, diapers and other trash everywhere, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. Three deceased infants were discovered inside, and the medical examiner was called in due to the decomposition of the bodies. The cause of death is unknown.

"It was a long and very difficult day," Early said. "And a sad day. Our investigation will continue for quite some time."

Neighbors said officials in hazmat suits were at the house about two weeks ago. Someone reported that four children were being neglected and living in deplorable conditions, prompting police to launch an investigation. The Department of Children and Families became involved and took custody of a 13-year-old, 10-year-old, 3-year-old and 6-month-old living in the home.

Two of the older children removed from the home are Murray's, but there are no birth records for the younger two.

DCF confirmed that they had custody of the children in a statement Thursday. They released another statement Friday that read, in part: "The Department of Children and Families received a 51A report alleging neglect from Blackstone Police Department on August 28, 2014 and immediately responded, removing the children from the home just over an hour later."

The statement went on to say that the department referred the report to the local DA's office and is working with authorities as they investigate the case. They also clarified that they have not had an open case with the family in the past, however, a 51A report was received in 2007 but was "unsupported and therefore no case was opened."

According to neighbors and public records, Murray lives at the home with her boyfriend Raymond Rivera.

Murray was arrested Thursday evening in connection with the conditions of the home and the other charges followed. She was held without bail at her arraignment Friday in Uxbridge District Court.

The investigation at the home remains ongoing, as authorities have not yet ruled out the possibility that more bodies may be inside. Murray's attorney, Keith Halpern, said his client is mentally ill.

Cox Media Group