A Hernando County mother was arrested on Wednesday after police said she gave birth in the shower nearly two months ago, and left the baby to die.
Police said 27-year-old Maria Castillo gave birth to a baby girl on April 28 while in the shower before she placed her in a trash bag, hidden under a pile of clothes in her bedroom.
Investigators say her family made the discovery hours later and called police, but it was too late.
Castillo was charged with one count of aggravated manslaughter of a child.
It took two months for a medical examiner to determine the baby had been born alive, which eventually led to Castillo's arrest.
"I was really shocked," said neighbor Bertha Brown. "I just really don't see her as knowing what actually happened."
Many neighbors believe Castillo has a mental disability.
"My heart goes out for her, because I don't think she was aware of the seriousness of really being pregnant," said Brown.
Police say Castillo was aware of what she did and they want her to pay the consequences. Some of her neighbors, though, want the judge to show some leniency.
"Put her somewhere where she can be taken care of,” Brown said. “You know, give her help."
Castillo's family was not available for comment.
Castillo is being held on $30,000 bond at the Hernando County Jail.
She is expected to face a judge on Thursday.