LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A Lake County man was found guilty of murdering his pregnant stepmother at a cemetery.
The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) says a Lake County jury found 26-year-old Ian Anselmo guilty for the death of 39-year-old Sue Ellen Anselmo. He was charged with second-degree murder and killing an unborn child by injury to the mother, according to authorities.
They say the incident happened on March 13, 2019, at Greenwood Cemetery. The SAO shared a video of Anselmo’s arrest.
They say when they arrived at the scene, they found the woman with a “cord draped over her shoulder inside her vehicle.”
Anselmo, who was at the crime scene told authorities that “he guessed he had strangled” his stepmother. They say he also told them that he didn’t remember committing the crime but did recall the argument the two had.
SAO says despite life-saving efforts, the female Anselmo passed away five days later at the Orlando Regional Medical Center.
“In a document filed on September 9, 2020, Anselmo’s defense attorney revealed plans to pursue an insanity defense based on Anselmo’s alleged state during the incident,” shared the SAO in the Facebook post. “However, after jurors reviewed the extensive evidence and listened to the impactful testimonies presented during the trial, they determined Anselmo was sane during the time of the attack and would have been fully aware of the ramifications of his actions.”
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Anselmo remains at the Lake County Jail where he awaits his sentencing date. The SAO says he could face life in prison.
“The Fifth Judicial Circuit SAO is committed to pursuing justice in this case and worked diligently to ensure Anselmo would be held accountable for taking the life of his stepmother,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our thoughts remain with the family, loved ones, and community members affected by this tragic event.”