Mother Denied Bail in Baby's Drowning Death

A Flagler County mother, Anne Mae Demegillo, has been denied bail and will remain incarcerated pending trial for the death of her infant daughter. The legal proceedings against Demegillo took a significant turn when her initial manslaughter charge was elevated to first-degree murder. Her defense attorney argued for the reinstatement of her previous bond, citing her lack of flight risk, absence of a criminal history, and purported mental health issues including postpartum depression. However, the judge disagreed, emphasizing the heightened severity of the murder charge.

Prosecutors contended that the murder charge fundamentally altered the case. Authorities allege Demegillo watched her baby drown in a toilet, placed the infant in a duffel bag, and subsequently buried the child in her backyard. At the time of her initial arrest in March, Demegillo claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy. Investigations later revealed searches for information regarding premature newborns and the Casey Anthony case. If convicted, Demegillo faces a potential life sentence. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for May or June, and prominent criminal defense attorney Aaron Delgado will now lead her defense.