Florida Woman, 20, Charged After Newborn Found Dead in Toilet

Authorities say the woman left her baby to die after giving birth at home.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 20-year-old Florida woman named Anne Mae Demegillo has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after police say she gave birth to a newborn girl in her home's toilet, left the baby there, and watched as the infant died. Demegillo allegedly hid the baby's body in a duffel bag and later buried it in her backyard.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the importance of safe haven laws, which allow parents to safely surrender newborns at designated locations like fire stations or hospitals without fear of prosecution. The death of this infant raises concerns about mental health resources and support for new mothers who may be struggling.

The details

According to authorities, Demegillo gave birth around 3 a.m. on Thursday and left the newborn, who weighed just 3 pounds 6 ounces, in the toilet. She then hid the baby's body in a duffel bag and went about her normal routine, including attending a theater performance. Demegillo later buried the infant in a shallow grave in her backyard. Police say she showed no remorse and did not contact emergency services at any point.

  • Around 3 a.m. on Thursday, Demegillo gave birth in her home's toilet.
  • On Friday around 4 a.m., authorities received a call requesting a welfare check on Demegillo.
  • On Thursday around 10 p.m., Demegillo returned home and buried the baby in her backyard.

The players

Anne Mae Demegillo

A 20-year-old Florida woman who has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after allegedly leaving her newborn daughter to die in a toilet and later burying the infant in her backyard.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case and charged Demegillo.

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What they’re saying

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

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

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our community, for the family involved, and an emotionally difficult case for our team. I want to remind our community, especially our expectant mothers: Florida law allows you to bring a child at birth to a local fire station, hospital, or law enforcement agency and surrender the child. That is a much better solution than what we are investigating today — for everyone involved, but most importantly the infant who was prevented from the life they deserve. May God bless this infant and hold and comfort the baby in his loving hands with the love the baby never received on earth.”

— Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff's Office (WESH)

What’s next

Demegillo is scheduled to appear before a judge again, where the court will decide whether to grant her bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for greater mental health resources and awareness of safe haven laws, which allow parents to safely surrender newborns without fear of prosecution. It's a heartbreaking reminder that more support is needed for new mothers who may be struggling.