Florida 20-year-old accused of newborn's death bonds out of jail

Anne Mae Demegillo granted $250,000 bond despite allegedly watching newborn drown and burying body in backyard

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 20-year-old Florida woman named Anne Mae Demegillo has been accused of giving birth in a toilet, watching her newborn drown, and then burying the baby's body in her backyard. Despite the disturbing allegations, Demegillo was granted a $250,000 bond and released from jail, with conditions including wearing a GPS monitor and having no contact with minors.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the mental health and potential threat to public safety posed by the suspect. It also highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding cases of alleged neonaticide, where a mother is accused of killing her newborn child.

The details

According to authorities, Demegillo admitted to watching the baby drown after giving birth in her bathroom and then cleaning up the blood. She allegedly told police she was "hoping the baby would hurry up and die." Demegillo's attorney argued there was no "diagnosable mental condition," but acknowledged "there is something obviously that is off" regarding his client.

  • On March 9, 2026, Demegillo gave birth to the newborn in her toilet.
  • After the baby died, Demegillo buried the body in her backyard on March 10, 2026.
  • Demegillo was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter on March 12, 2026.
  • On March 13, 2026, Demegillo was granted a $250,000 bond and released from jail.

The players

Anne Mae Demegillo

A 20-year-old Florida woman accused of giving birth in a toilet, watching her newborn drown, and burying the baby's body in her backyard.

Michael Politis

Demegillo's attorney, who acknowledged "there is something obviously that is off" regarding his client.

Sheriff Rick Staly

The Flagler County Sheriff who said Demegillo admitted to watching the baby drown and cleaning up the blood.

Detective Shannon Smith

A Flagler County Sheriff's Detective who testified that Demegillo said she would not change how she handled the situation if she could go back in time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She did tell us that she was hoping that the baby would hurry up and die.”

— Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff

“It baffles me, to be completely honest. Sometimes you can't explain everything.”

— Chief Deputy Joe Barile, Flagler County Sheriff's Office

“there's no diagnosable mental condition ... but I think as far as the community and the danger to the community, I don't think this is. This is an isolated episode.”

— Michael Politis, Demegillo's attorney

What’s next

The state attorney's office said it expects to file more charges against Demegillo, including tampering with evidence.

The takeaway

This disturbing case has shaken the local community and raised difficult questions about mental health, public safety, and the legal system's response to alleged neonaticide. It underscores the need for greater understanding and support for mothers facing severe postpartum challenges.