PALM COAST, Fla. — A grand jury in Flagler County has charged a 20-year-old woman from Palm Coast with first-degree murder after a month-long investigation into her newborn child’s death.
On April 6, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced that Anne Mae Demegillo was officially indicted after jurors returned a “true bill” charging her with first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report a death with the intent to conceal or alter evidence.
Demegillo was first arrested on March 6, 2026, for aggravated manslaughter. However, new evidence found during the investigation prompted authorities to upgrade the charges.
Detectives stated that a forensic analysis of Demegillo’s phone uncovered several internet searches that prompted concern. These included inquiries about premature newborns, local obstetric services in Palm Coast, and ways to reduce fertility. Additionally, investigators found images of Casey Anthony and newborns, indicating an interest in previous child death cases and investigations.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly called the case deeply disturbing and claimed that the evidence suggests the infant’s death was deliberate. Authorities suspect Demegillo let the newborn drown after giving birth at home, instead of trying to help.
“This is one of those tragic cases that shock you to your core,” Staly said in a statement, praising investigators and digital forensics teams for uncovering key evidence that led to the upgraded charges. He also thanked State Attorney R.J. Larizza and the grand jury for their roles in the case.
Demegillo has surrendered herself at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she remains in custody without bond until further court proceedings.
The case remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the charges.
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