College Student Accused of Letting Newborn Drown in Toilet

Police find photos of 'hated mom' Casey Anthony on suspect's phone

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a toilet plunger against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the alleged drowning of a newborn in a tragic case that has shocked the local community.A grim reminder of the alleged drowning of a newborn, this stark image evokes the harsh realities of a tragic case that has shaken the local community.Palm Coast Today

A 20-year-old Florida college student named Anne Mae Demegillo has been indicted on first-degree murder charges after allegedly allowing her newborn daughter to drown in a toilet at her home. Police say they found photos of Casey Anthony, who was acquitted in 2011 of killing her own daughter, on Demegillo's phone.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised questions about postpartum mental health, the legal treatment of young mothers, and the lasting impact of high-profile criminal cases like the Casey Anthony trial.

The details

Authorities allege that Demegillo gave birth unexpectedly in her home toilet, then failed to save the newborn as it drowned. She is accused of hiding the baby's body in a duffel bag and later burying it in a shallow grave. Police say Demegillo's phone contained photos of Casey Anthony, the Florida woman who was acquitted in 2011 of killing her own 2-year-old daughter in a case that remains unsolved.

  • On March 5, Demegillo allegedly gave birth to the newborn in her home toilet.
  • On March 6, authorities were called to Demegillo's home for a welfare check.
  • On March 15, Demegillo was initially arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child.
  • On April 4, a grand jury indicted Demegillo on first-degree murder charges.

The players

Anne Mae Demegillo

A 20-year-old Florida college student accused of allowing her newborn daughter to drown in a toilet and then hiding the body.

Casey Anthony

A Florida woman who was acquitted in 2011 of killing her own 2-year-old daughter in a case that remains unsolved. Police found photos of Anthony on Demegillo's phone.

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What they’re saying

“This is one of those tragic cases that shock you to your core that a mother would allow a newborn to die because the newborn was a distraction to her life. It's hard to comprehend how a mother would choose to watch their infant drown instead of lifting the baby out of the toilet.”

— Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff

“I don't know how long she will survive. It's not necessary to incarcerate her.”

— Michael Politis, Defense Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant Demegillo bail as she awaits trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case has reignited debates around postpartum mental health, the legal treatment of young mothers, and the lasting impact of high-profile criminal cases like the Casey Anthony trial. It underscores the need for greater support and resources for new mothers to prevent such devastating outcomes.