Florida Woman Arrested After Newborn Drowns in Toilet Following Birth
A 20-year-old Florida woman has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after investigators say she gave birth in her bathroom toilet and allowed the newborn to drown before burying the infant in a shallow grave in her backyard. The incident, which occurred in Palm Coast, has shocked the local community and prompted authorities to remind residents of Florida's Safe Haven Law as an alternative for parents unable to care for a newborn.
Disturbing Details Emerge from Investigation
According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, the case began when an individual called 911 early on March 6, requesting a welfare check after receiving concerning text messages from Anne Mae Demegillo. The messages revealed that Demegillo had secretly been pregnant and had given birth at home, with indications that the baby was born alive and crying but that she had "done something" to the infant.
When deputies arrived at Demegillo's home, she reportedly told them she had not realized she was pregnant until experiencing severe abdominal pain around 3 a.m. on March 5. She then delivered the child in her bathroom. Chief Deputy Joe Barile stated during a news conference that Demegillo saw the newborn in the toilet, left it there, watched it, heard it cry, and waited until it stopped crying and moving.
Suspect's Actions and Admissions
Sheriff Rick Staly added that Demegillo admitted to hoping the newborn would die and never contacted emergency services for help. Instead, she allegedly placed the infant's body in a duffel bag in her closet and went to perform in the musical "Anything Goes" at the Little Theatre in New Smyrna Beach. Upon returning home around 10 p.m., she buried the baby in a shallow grave in her backyard.
Investigators determined that the baby, who weighed less than four pounds, had been alive long enough to inhale water from the toilet into her lungs. Sheriff Staly described the case as a heartbreaking tragedy for the community and the family involved, emphasizing the emotional difficulty for his team.
Reminder of Safe Haven Alternatives
In response to the incident, authorities highlighted Florida's Safe Haven Law, which allows parents who cannot care for a newborn to safely surrender the child at a fire station, hospital, or police station without fear of prosecution. Palm Coast specifically has a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 25 that enables anonymous surrender. Sheriff Staly urged expectant mothers to consider this option, stating it is a much better solution than the tragic events under investigation.
Demegillo is currently being held without bond as the investigation continues. The case underscores the importance of community awareness regarding resources available for parents in crisis, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
