FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County woman charged with first-degree murder in connection with her newborn’s death is asking a judge to release her on bond ahead of a court hearing set for Tuesday.
Anne Mae Demegillo’s attorneys argue the 21-year-old is not a flight risk and needs to attend medical appointments to address what they describe as severe postpartum psychosis and depression — conditions they say need to be treated before she can stand trial.
In March, Demegillo told deputies she unexpectedly gave birth at home and watched her newborn girl drown in a toilet before burying the baby in a shallow grave in her backyard.
A friend contacted 911, which led investigators to Demegillo.
Demegillo was originally charged with aggravated manslaughter, for which she was granted bond. She now faces first-degree murder charges after detectives say they found evidence that she knew she was pregnant and was trying to figure out how to dispose of the baby.
Her attorneys are requesting that she be granted her original $250,000 bond. In their motion, they cite her lack of a criminal record and her surrender of her passport as reasons she poses no flight risk.
They also write that she likely suffers from “severe postpartum psychosis and/or depression” along with other mental health issues.
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, where a judge will consider the defense’s request to reinstate her bond.
You can read the defense’s motion in full below.