A Florida woman is facing aggravated manslaughter charges after investigators say she gave birth to a newborn in her bathroom, watched the baby cry inside a toilet and waited for the infant to stop moving before disposing of the body.

Anne Mae Demegillo, 20, of Palm Coast, was arrested following an investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office into the death of the newborn girl.

Authorities say the disturbing case came to light early on the morning of March 6 when someone contacted 911 requesting a welfare check after receiving alarming text messages from Demegillo.

According to investigators, Demegillo had told the individual she had secretly been pregnant and had just given birth at home.

The messages reportedly indicated that the baby had been born alive and crying, but that Demegillo had “done something” to the child.

Deputies arrived at Demegillo’s home shortly after 4 a.m. to investigate.

During questioning, Demegillo reportedly told officers she had not realized she was pregnant until she began experiencing severe abdominal pain around 3 a.m. the previous day.

She went to the bathroom believing she was suffering from cramps, but instead went into labor and delivered the baby in the toilet.

Flagler County Chief Deputy Joe Barile described what investigators say happened next during a press conference.

“She goes to the bathroom, she thought she had cramps, pains, and then a child… she goes into labor, and then delivers a child,” Barile said. “She sees it in the toilet, leaves it there, watches it, hears it cry, and waits until it stops crying and moving.”

Sheriff Rick Staly said Demegillo told investigators she hoped the newborn would die.

“She did tell us that she was hoping that the baby would hurry up and die,” Staly said.

Authorities say Demegillo never called for medical assistance or emergency help after the birth.

Instead, investigators say she believed the infant had died and placed the body in a duffel bag inside her closet.

Demegillo then reportedly left her home and traveled to New Smyrna Beach, where she was performing in the musical “Anything Goes” at the Little Theatre.

Investigators say she returned home later that night around 10 p.m.

At that point, deputies say she buried the infant in a shallow grave in her backyard.

The baby weighed less than four pounds.

According to investigators, the medical examination revealed the infant had been alive long enough to inhale water.

“She clearly was alive long enough to inhale water from the toilet into her lungs,” Sheriff Staly said.

Authorities described the case as emotionally difficult for investigators and devastating for the community.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our community, for the family involved, and an emotionally difficult case for our team,” Staly said.

The sheriff also emphasized that Florida law allows parents who cannot care for a newborn to surrender the child safely without facing criminal charges.

Under Florida’s Safe Haven Law, newborns can be safely surrendered at hospitals, fire stations, or law enforcement agencies.

Palm Coast also has a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 25 that allows parents to anonymously leave a newborn in a secure location where medical personnel can immediately take custody.

“That is a much better solution than what we are investigating today,” Staly said. “Most importantly for the infant who was prevented from the life they deserve.”

Demegillo is currently being held in custody without bond.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.