Anne Mae Demegillo, a 20-year-old college student from Palm Coast, Florida, faces aggravated manslaughter of a child charges after allegedly giving birth alone at home and allowing her newborn to die.
Incident Details
On Thursday, Demegillo delivered a 3 lb., 6 oz. baby in her toilet; it cried briefly before going still. She hid the body in a duffel bag in her closet, attended college classes, performed in a theater show, then buried it in a shallow backyard grave around 10 p.m.
Arrest and Investigation
A welfare check call Friday morning—prompted by her messages admitting secret pregnancy—led officers to her home. Demegillo confessed and showed the burial site. Flagler County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Joe Barile noted the ongoing probe and highlighted Florida’s Safe Haven Law for safe infant surrender.
Legal Status
Held without bond post her March 7 court appearance, Demegillo claimed uncertainty about pregnancy until birth. Authorities urge tips amid reminders of no-consequence surrender options at hospitals, fire stations, or police.
