FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A 20-year-old Palm Coast woman has been indicted for first-degree murder following a monthlong investigation into the death of her newborn child, authorities said.
A Flagler County Grand Jury on April 6 returned a “true bill” indictment against Anne Mae Demegillo, charging her with first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report a death with intent to conceal or alter evidence. She was previously arrested on March 6 on a charge of aggravated manslaughter.
Investigators with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit said the additional charges stem from new evidence uncovered during the investigation into the newborn girl’s death on March 6.
According to detectives, a review of Demegillo’s phone revealed multiple internet searches, including “newborn premature babies,” “Palm Coast OBGYN,” and “foods to decrease fertility.” Authorities also found images of Casey Anthony and newborn babies, which they say indicate searches related to child death cases and investigations.
Sheriff Rick Staly said the case is deeply disturbing.
“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,” Staly said. “It’s hard to comprehend how a mother would choose to watch their infant drown instead of lifting the baby out of the toilet. I commend our investigators who followed every lead and our Digital Forensics team that uncovered the digital evidence to prove this tragic case was a premeditated murder.”
Demegillo turned herself in at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is being held without bond pending a court hearing.
The case will proceed through the judicial process.