Florida College Student Charged with Newborn's Murder

Anne Demegillo, 20, allegedly watched her baby drown in toilet before burying the body

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged toilet tank lid, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic to represent the disturbing crime scene details.The shocking details of a newborn's tragic death in a college student's home toilet have sparked outrage and renewed calls for better mental health resources.Palm Coast Today

A 20-year-old Florida college student named Anne Demegillo has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and failing to report a death after allegedly delivering a baby girl in a toilet, watching the infant cry and drown, and then burying the body in her backyard. Investigators say Demegillo had searched her phone for information related to the death of a child, suggesting she may have been influenced by the high-profile Casey Anthony case.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the complex issues surrounding unwanted pregnancies, postpartum depression, and the lasting impact of high-profile criminal cases. It raises questions about mental health support, sex education, and whether more could be done to prevent such devastating outcomes for vulnerable newborns.

The details

According to authorities, Demegillo delivered the baby girl, who was born prematurely at just over 3 pounds, in the toilet of her Palm Coast home on March 5. She allegedly watched the infant cry and drown without attempting to save her, then went to class and participated in a campus play before returning home to bury the body in a shallow grave in her backyard. Police say Demegillo's phone contained searches for terms like "newborn premature babies," "Palm Coast OBGYN," and "foods to decrease fertility," as well as images of Casey Anthony, the Florida woman who was acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter in 2011.

  • On March 5, Demegillo allegedly delivered the baby in her home toilet and let the infant drown.
  • Demegillo is said to have attended class and a campus play after the incident before burying the body.
  • Demegillo was indicted by a grand jury on charges of premeditated murder, aggravated child abuse, and failing to report a death on April 8, 2026.

The players

Anne Demegillo

A 20-year-old Florida college student charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and failing to report a death in the death of her newborn daughter.

Casey Anthony

A Florida woman who was acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter in 2011, whose case appears to have influenced Demegillo's actions according to investigators.

Rick Staly

The Flagler County Sheriff who suggested Demegillo allowed her baby to die "because the newborn was a distraction to her life."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Anne Demegillo out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater mental health support, sex education, and resources for young mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. It also raises concerns about the lasting impact of high-profile criminal cases and how they may influence future actions.