A Central Florida man was recently sentenced for murdering his pregnant stepmother.
26-year-old Ian Anselmo appeared before the Honorable Judge Brian Welke to be sentenced for the killing of his pregnant stepmother back in 2019, and the judge sentenced Anselmo to Life in prison.
“Today, we hold accountable a defendant who chose to take the life of his pregnant stepmother in 2019. This tragic case is a sobering reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of protecting the vulnerable,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as we seek to ensure that such acts of cruelty are met with the full force of the law.”
In April of this year, Anselmo was found guilty by a Lake County jury for the fatal strangulation of his expectant stepmother, 39-year-old Sue Ellen Anselmo. Ian Anselmo was charged and found guilty of Murder in the Second-Degree and Killing an Unborn Child by Injury to the Mother.
The tragic incident took place on March 13, 2019, when Anselmo strangled his stepmother at the Greenwood Cemetery. Law enforcement officers received a 9-1-1 call in reference to the incident and arrived at the scene to find Sue with a cord draped over her shoulder inside her vehicle. Anselmo was also present at the scene.
Despite life-saving efforts, Sue passed away five days later at Orlando Regional Medical Center due to her injuries. Anselmo, while present at the crime scene, stated to officials that he guessed he had strangled Sue. He further indicated he didn’t remember committing the crime but did remember the argument the two had just prior.
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. However, after jurors reviewed the extensive evidence and listened to testimony presented during the trial, they determined Anselmo was sane during the time of the attack and was aware of the ramifications of his actions.
Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Camuccio and Thomas Wieczorek successfully prosecuted the case.
