Florida College Student Allegedly Drowned Newborn Then Performed in Musical

The story of a Florida college student has tragically shifted from a performance to a legal battle. Anne Mae Demegillo, a 20-year-old actress, is facing serious accusations after officials claim she gave birth at her home, allowed her newborn to drown, and then continued with her day, which included performing in a theater production.

This case has left the Palm Coast community reeling and raised troubling questions about the circumstances of that day.

Details of the Secret Home Birth in the Bathroom

On March 5, 2026, Demegillo began experiencing intense abdominal pain at her residence and subsequently gave birth by herself on the bathroom toilet.

She later informed investigators that she was unaware of her pregnancy, although law enforcement has expressed doubts over this assertion based on the evidence collected. Her mother was present in the house, but Demegillo did not notify her or anyone else of the situation.

Circumstances Surrounding the Newborn’s Death and Lack of Assistance

Authorities concluded that Demegillo witnessed the newborn baby girl moving and crying in the toilet water but opted not to provide assistance. Sheriff Rick Staly reported that she acknowledged wishing the baby would “hurry up and die.”

She did not contact emergency services at any time, and evidence indicates that she cleaned the bathroom while the infant remained in the toilet.

Reason for Performing in ‘Anything Goes’ Immediately After

After the baby ceased moving, Demegillo wrapped the infant in a towel and stored her in a duffel bag within her closet.

She then left her residence to attend a college class and later performed in the musical “Anything Goes” in New Smyrna Beach, portraying the character Virtue. She returned home around 10 p.m. and buried the newborn in a shallow grave in her backyard.

Current Charges Faced by the Florida Student

Demegillo was apprehended on March 6 and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child. She appeared in court the following day, where a judge denied her bond.

Officials have remarked on her unusually calm behavior during interviews, showing minimal visible remorse as the investigation proceeds.

Location of the Newborn’s Body and Discovery

A worried friend, who received alarming messages from Demegillo, led authorities to request a welfare check at her home early on March 6. When deputies arrived, Demegillo initially hesitated but ultimately guided them to a shallow grave in her backyard.

The newborn, who weighed just 3 pounds and 6 ounces, was discovered wrapped in a towel and buried beneath several inches of dirt.