A disturbing case from Florida has shocked many people after a college student was accused of letting her newborn baby die shortly after giving birth at home. Authorities say the young woman delivered the baby in a toilet and later continued with her daily activities, including performing in a theatre show at her college.
The incident came to light after a concerned person contacted authorities for a welfare check. The student has now been arrested and charged, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.
Florida College Student Arrested After Newborn Baby Dies
A 20-year-old college student named Anne Mae Demegillo from Palm Coast, Florida, has been arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child.
According to arrest records from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Demegillo was taken into custody on March 6.
The case began when the Flagler County Emergency Communication Center received a call at around 4 a.m. requesting a welfare check for a young woman.
The caller reportedly told authorities that Demegillo had secretly been pregnant and had unexpectedly given birth at home.
Baby Was Born in a Toilet, Authorities Say
When officers arrived at Demegillo’s home later that morning, she allegedly told them that she had delivered a baby in the toilet the day before.
Investigators said the newborn initially cried after birth but later stopped moving.
Instead of seeking medical help, Demegillo allegedly hid the baby’s body in a duffel bag and placed it inside her closet.
Officials say she then continued her day as if nothing had happened.
Student Performed in College Theatre the Same Day
According to police officials, Demegillo later went to her college and performed in a theatre production.
Authorities said she returned home afterward and continued with her routine.
Later that night, around 10 p.m., she reportedly buried the baby in a shallow grave in the backyard of her home.
During questioning, Demegillo allegedly told investigators that she was not fully certain she was pregnant until she actually gave birth.
Police Found the Baby in Backyard
After speaking with officers, Demegillo reportedly showed them where the baby had been buried.
Investigators later recovered the infant’s body from the backyard.
Officials said the newborn weighed around 3 pounds and 6 ounces.
Important details of the case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Anne Mae Demegillo |
| Age | 20 |
| Location | Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida |
| Charge | Aggravated manslaughter of a child |
| Arrest Date | March 6 |
| Infant Weight | 3 lbs., 6 oz. |
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing.
Officials Remind Public About Safe Haven Law
During the press conference, Chief Deputy Joe Barile reminded the public about Florida’s Safe Haven Law.
This law allows parents who feel unable to care for a newborn baby to safely surrender the child without facing criminal charges.
Under this law, parents can leave a newborn at places such as:
- Hospitals
- Fire stations
- Police stations
These locations are legally required to accept the child and ensure the baby receives proper care.
Officials say the law exists to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
Investigation Still Continuing
Authorities are still investigating the case and reviewing all the details surrounding the baby’s death.
Police have asked anyone with additional information related to the case to contact law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, the case has raised serious questions about mental health, access to support, and awareness of laws that allow parents to safely surrender newborns.
The tragic death of the newborn in this Florida case has left many people shocked and saddened. According to investigators, a young college student gave birth at home, did not seek help, and later buried the infant in her backyard.
The fact that she continued with normal activities, including performing in a theatre show, has raised many questions about what happened in those critical hours.
While the legal process will determine the final outcome, the incident also highlights the importance of awareness about Safe Haven laws and the support systems available for parents facing unexpected pregnancies. Authorities hope increased awareness can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
