Florida College Student Charged with Newborn's Murder

Anne Mae Demegillo indicted on first-degree murder, child abuse charges after newborn's drowning death

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A 21-year-old Florida college student has been indicted on first-degree murder and child abuse charges after authorities said she admitted to giving birth unexpectedly, then watching as her newborn cried and drowned in a toilet. Investigators found evidence on Demegillo's phone, including searches related to newborns and images of Casey Anthony, that suggest this was a premeditated act.

Why it matters

This tragic case has shocked the community and raised disturbing questions about how a mother could allegedly choose to watch her own infant drown rather than intervene. It also highlights the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies, postpartum mental health, and the legal system's response to such devastating crimes.

The details

According to authorities, Anne Mae Demegillo, a 21-year-old Palm Coast woman, was first arrested in March for aggravated manslaughter of a child after she reported watching her newborn drown in the toilet. On April 6, a grand jury indicted her on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report a death. Investigators said they found evidence on Demegillo's phone, including searches for 'newborn premature babies,' 'Palm Coast OBGYN,' and 'foods to decrease fertility,' as well as images of Casey Anthony and newborn babies, 'which suggest searches on the death of a child and subsequent investigation.'

  • On March 5, Demegillo unexpectedly gave birth at home and allegedly watched as her newborn drowned in the toilet.
  • On March 6, a friend contacted the sheriff's office for a welfare check, leading to the discovery of the baby's body buried in Demegillo's backyard.
  • On April 6, Demegillo was indicted on first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report a death charges.

The players

Anne Mae Demegillo

A 21-year-old college student from Palm Coast, Florida, who was initially arrested for aggravated manslaughter of a child and has now been indicted on first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report a death charges.

Rick Staly

The Flagler County Sheriff, who described the case as one of the most tragic he has seen, where a mother allegedly chose to watch her newborn drown instead of saving the child.

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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

What’s next

A judge has ordered Demegillo held without bond on the first-degree murder charge. Her case will now proceed through the legal system, with a trial date yet to be set.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case highlights the urgent need for better support systems and resources for new mothers, especially those dealing with unplanned pregnancies or postpartum mental health challenges. It also raises difficult questions about the criminal justice system's approach to such complex and tragic situations.