A 36-year-old Pennsylvania woman faces multiple criminal charges after authorities determined that her 4-year-old daughter perished from a severe bacterial infection of the colon, discovered “cold to the touch” inside an unheated residence. Sarah Brubaker now stands charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records. Authorities hold her at the Clearfield County Jail under a $1 million bond.
On the morning of Dec. 20, 2025, Brubaker discovered her young daughter “cold to the touch” inside the family home in DuBois, Pennsylvania, a criminal affidavit states. The central Pennsylvania city sits approximately 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Brubaker and the child’s father, who has since died, attempted to care for the girl before transporting her to a nearby hospital, where medical staff pronounced her deceased.
An autopsy subsequently identified pseudomembranous colitis as the cause of death. The Mayo Clinic characterizes this condition as “advanced inflammation of the colon that can cause serious or life-threatening diarrhea.” The medical examiner classified the death as a homicide resulting from neglect.
Investigators from the DuBois Police Department interviewed Brubaker, who stated that her daughter had not consumed food for at least two weeks and had suffered from persistent diarrhea. Brubaker further reported that the child had experienced balance problems and progressive weakness.
When authorities executed a search warrant at the family residence, they encountered deeply concerning conditions. Although the home appeared “very clean and orderly” and displayed Christmas decorations, investigators found the interior frigid. The heating system remained shut off, allowing ice to form on the inside of the windows, according to the court document. The property featured a free natural gas well that powered the heating system, yet Brubaker had intentionally disabled the unit.
Despite the presence of two functioning refrigerators, neither contained food. The household also operated without interior lighting.
Brubaker acknowledged to investigators that the family endured significant financial hardship, though she made no effort to seek available assistance. Family members reportedly had access to an investment fund exceeding $100,000.
Brubaker entered her preliminary arraignment on Wednesday and faces a preliminary hearing next week.
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