Florida Woman Accused of Letting Newborn Die, Burying Baby in Backyard

A 20-year-old Florida woman is facing aggravated manslaughter charges after allegedly giving birth in a toilet, watching her newborn baby die, and burying the infant in a shallow grave in her backyard. The case, investigated by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, has shocked the local community.

Details of the Case

Anne Mae Demegillo, a college student, was arrested on Friday after deputies responded to a welfare check prompted by messages she sent to an acquaintance on social media. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Demegillo confessed to giving birth at home on March 5th and then leaving the baby to die WESH. She reportedly delivered the baby in the toilet, and after hearing the infant cry, waited until the crying stopped before concealing the body.

Discovery of the Body

Demegillo allegedly hid the newborn in a duffel bag in her closet before attending classes at Daytona State College and later performing in a local theater production of “Anything Goes” in New Smyrna Beach WESH. Upon returning home, she buried the baby, wrapped in a towel, in a shallow grave in her backyard.

Investigation and Arrest

Deputies discovered the remains after Demegillo led them to the burial site. The baby, a girl weighing 3 pounds and 6 ounces and measuring 18.7 inches long, was buried approximately three to five inches below the surface WESH. Demegillo was denied bond and is currently held in the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

Statements from Authorities

Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Barile expressed his bafflement at the case, stating, “It baffles me, to be completely honest, sometimes you can’t explain everything” WESH. He also noted that Demegillo appeared “oddly calm” during questioning and claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy until giving birth FOX 35 Orlando. Authorities have stated that no one else was aware of Demegillo’s pregnancy and the investigation is ongoing FOX 35 Orlando.

Ongoing Investigation

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death. They are currently attempting to contact Demegillo’s father for further information WESH.