Central Florida Mother Charged With Murder After Newborn Found Buried

A 20-year-old woman from Palm Coast, Florida, has been indicted on charges of first-degree premeditated murder following the death of her newborn daughter. Anne Demegillo turned herself in to authorities on April 6, 2026, after a grand jury in the 7th District of Florida handed down the charges.

The grand jury indicted Demegillo on three specific charges: first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated child abuse and failure to report the death of a person with the intent to conceal the death or alter evidence or the circumstances surrounding the death.

Demegillo is currently being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and was scheduled to appear before a judge on the morning of April 7, 2026.

Investigation and Discovery

The case first came to the attention of law enforcement in early March 2026. Deputies from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrived at Demegillo’s Palm Coast home to conduct a welfare check. The check was requested by a friend who had discovered that Demegillo had been secretly pregnant and had given birth unexpectedly.

According to investigators, Demegillo initially showed reluctance to speak with deputies. She later provided a statement and led law enforcement to a shallow grave behind her home. Deputies reported that the infant’s body was wrapped in a towel and buried under approximately 4 to 5 inches of dirt.

Demegillo confessed to giving birth on a toilet. She told investigators that the infant cried at first before stopping breathing. Other reports indicate she confessed to cleaning the bathroom while the infant died, allegedly letting the baby drown rather than pulling the child to safety.

Following the birth, Demegillo reportedly placed the infant in a duffel bag, which she initially kept in a closet. Investigators say she then attended a theater performance before burying the bag in her backyard.

Evidence and Legal Proceedings

Demegillo was first arrested in March 2026 and appeared in court on March 12, 2026, facing a charge of aggravated manslaughter of her newborn infant girl. She was released from jail after posting bond on that date.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office later uncovered additional evidence on Demegillo’s phone that led to the more severe charges. Detectives found that she had conducted internet searches regarding child death investigations, newborn premature babies, Palm Coast OBGYNs, and foods used to decrease fertility.

Authorities also discovered images of newborn babies and images of Casey Anthony on her phone. The sheriff stated that this evidence helped prove the death was premeditated.

It’s tragic for the child, for everyone. And it baffles me. I could never imagine being able to do that.

Chief Deputy Joe Barile