Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Details in Infant’s Death Case
The Florida Sheriff’s Office is investigating a tragic case involving the recent death of a newborn, revealing this week that an image of Casey Anthony was found on the cellphone of Ann Demejilo, the college student charged with murder.
According to authorities, Demejilo, 20, gave birth in the bathroom of her Palm Coast home on March 5. Following the birth, she allegedly witnessed her baby girl struggle in the water, but did not intervene. Instead, she attended class, participated in a campus play, and later buried the infant in the backyard, as detailed in a recent news release from sheriff’s officials.
A grand jury has indicted Demejilo on several serious charges, including first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report a death with intent to conceal evidence. She remains in custody without the option of bail, according to court and jail records.
Demejilo’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the case. Initially arrested on March 6 for aggravated manslaughter of a child, she was released on bail about a week later after her parents posted their shared residence as collateral.
Law enforcement officials revealed that Demejilo communicated the details of the incident to a friend via text message, prompting the friend to contact the authorities. Demejilo allegedly took the unresponsive infant from the bathroom, wrapped her in a blanket, and concealed her in a duffel bag before returning to her school activities.
The affidavit states that Demejilo observed the baby moving in the bathroom and heard her cries, yet waited until the infant stopped moving before taking action. Furthermore, investigators from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that Demejilo had images of Casey Anthony on her phone, along with online searches related to “premature newborns” and “foods that reduce fertility.”
Casey Anthony is infamously associated with a high-profile case from 2008 when her daughter vanished for 31 days before authorities discovered her remains. During a nationally publicized trial, Anthony faced charges of murder and child abuse, but none of the serious allegations were proven. She ultimately served nearly three years in prison for lying to law enforcement.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley described Demejilo’s case as deeply shocking, emphasizing the incomprehensible nature of a mother choosing to let her infant drown rather than intervene. Demejilo’s arraignment is set for April 21, in a community that faces ongoing turmoil over this tragic incident.
Palm Coast, where this incident took place, is a city of approximately 106,000 residents, located about 110 miles south of Jacksonville.
