(Lake County, FL) In an update of a case that deeply impacted the Eustis area community, 26-year-old Ian Anselmo was found guilty by a Lake County jury Friday afternoon 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 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.
Anselmo was taken into custody and remanded at the Lake County Jail to await his sentencing date after the court conducts a presentencing investigation. He could potentially face Life in prison as a result of this guilty verdict.
“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.”
Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Camuccio and Thomas Wieczorek successfully prosecuted the case.
Published on 04/15/2024.