Florida Woman Charged After Newborn Drowns in Toilet

Anne Mae Demegillo, 20, allegedly allowed her baby to drown after unexpectedly giving birth at home.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 20-year-old Florida woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after authorities say she allowed her newborn to drown in a toilet after unexpectedly giving birth at her home in Palm Coast. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says Demegillo initially hid the infant's body in a duffel bag before later burying it in her backyard, and did not contact emergency services for help.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the need for greater access to mental health resources and support for new and expectant mothers, especially those who may be dealing with unplanned pregnancies or postpartum depression. It also raises questions about Florida's laws around infant abandonment and the state's ability to identify and intervene in these types of situations before they escalate.

The details

According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Demegillo told deputies she was not sure she was pregnant but began experiencing abdominal pain around 3 a.m. on March 5 and delivered the child in her bathroom toilet. She claimed she thought the infant was deceased, so she hid the body in a duffel bag in her closet before later burying it in her backyard. Detectives determined Demegillo "knowingly and purposefully allowed the newborn to drown in the toilet."

  • The Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received a call around 4 a.m. on March 6 requesting a welfare check on Demegillo.
  • Demegillo was arrested on March 6.

The players

Anne Mae Demegillo

A 20-year-old Palm Coast, Florida resident who has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after allegedly allowing her newborn to drown in a toilet.

Rick Staly

The Flagler County Sheriff who held a press conference to discuss the case against Demegillo.

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What they’re saying

“She clearly was alive long enough to inhale water from the toilet into her lungs.”

— Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff (wfla.com)

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

— Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff (wfla.com)

What’s next

Demegillo is being held in the Flagler County Jail on a $1 million bond. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical need for expanded access to mental health support and resources for new and expectant mothers, especially those dealing with unplanned pregnancies. It's a tragic reminder that more must be done to identify and intervene in these types of situations before they escalate to such devastating outcomes.