Massachusetts woman Erika Murray held without bail after 3 dead babies found

Authorities said the woman arrested in connection with the filthy conditions of a Blackstone home where the remains of three infants were found has been ordered held without bail as the search for more possible bodies continued.

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 3 newbo 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, and trash everywhere, according to Worcester County District Attoey 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 local 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 younger two.

DCF released a statement Thursday confirming that they had custody of the children. The statement also said, "DCF has never had an open case with this family and leaed about this situation through a 51A report. DCF referred the report to the local District Attoey's office for further action and is working in collaboration with law enforcement to investigate the report."

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 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, the AP reported. Murray's attoey, Keith Halpe, said his client was mentally ill.