Florida Student Accused of Newborn Drowning Had Casey Anthony Photos on Phone
Police in Florida have revealed that a college student accused of watching her newborn daughter drown in a toilet allegedly had photos of Casey Anthony on her mobile device. Anne Mae Demegillo, a 20-year-old from Palm Coast, now faces upgraded charges following a disturbing digital investigation.
From Bond to First-Degree Murder Indictment
Demegillo was initially arrested on March 6 for aggravated manslaughter after her newborn died the previous day. She was released on a $250,000 bond, but the case took a dramatic turn when investigators examined her phone and online activity. On Monday, a grand jury indicted her on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and concealing a death.
The defendant turned herself in at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is now being held without bond pending a court hearing, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Disturbing Digital Evidence Uncovered
During their investigation, detectives discovered that Demegillo had used her phone to search for terms including "newborn premature babies," "Palm Coast OBGYN," and "foods to decrease fertility." More chillingly, her device contained images of Casey Anthony, who was acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter Caylee in a nationally followed trial, though convicted of lying to police.
Authorities also found numerous photos of newborn babies on the phone. Investigators believe these searches and images suggest Demegillo may have been researching topics related to child death and how such cases are investigated.
Sheriff's Statement on the Tragic Case
"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," said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly in an official statement. "It's hard to comprehend how a mother would choose to watch their infant drown instead of lifting the baby out of the toilet."
Staly commended investigators for following every lead and the Digital Forensics team for uncovering evidence that proved this was a premeditated murder. He also thanked State Attorney R.J. Larizza and the grand jury for their difficult work in reviewing the case.
Additional Allegations and Evidence
Deputies say Demegillo led them to a shallow backyard grave after giving birth the day before and watching her newborn daughter, who weighed 3 pounds 6 ounces, die. She allegedly stored the baby in a duffel bag in her closet before performing at a theater, adding another layer of horror to the already devastating allegations.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward, with the digital evidence playing a crucial role in the upgraded charges against the young mother.
