Flagler County deputies say a 20-year-old Palm Coast woman was arrested after a newborn was discovered in a shallow grave behind a Florida Park Drive home early Friday, March 6. Investigators allege the infant was put into a duffel bag and buried after being delivered at the house, and the woman is being held on aggravated manslaughter charges. Authorities say the case opened after someone contacted law enforcement about a message referring to the birth.
What deputies say
According to WESH, deputies identified the suspect as 20-year-old Anne Mae Demegillo and say she told investigators she did not realize she was pregnant until she went to the bathroom and gave birth. At a news conference, deputies said the baby, reported to weigh under 4 pounds, was heard crying after delivery but later “stopped crying and moving.” They allege Demegillo then put the infant into a duffel bag and left it in a closet before heading out to a college theater performance.
Scene and neighborhood
Local coverage and the sheriff's briefing place the home near Florida Park Drive and Forest Hill Drive. FlaglerLive reports the address as 137 Florida Park Drive and describes a heavy sheriff's presence as detectives worked the yard. Sheriff Rick Staly told reporters the incident remains under active investigation and said there is “absolutely no threat to the community,” according to FlaglerLive.
Charges and legal context
Authorities say Demegillo is in custody and facing a charge of aggravated manslaughter. Under Florida law, aggravated manslaughter of a child is classified as a first-degree felony and can carry a prison term of up to 30 years, according to state law Florida Statutes, Chapter 782.
Investigation ongoing
Deputies say they learned about the birth after a person received a message and called 911. During a welfare check at the home, officers located the woman and the infant inside, according to investigators. Authorities are continuing to interview witnesses and process physical evidence, and the sheriff's office says it plans to release additional information as the investigation and any related court filings move forward, according to WESH.
