EUSTIS, Fla. — “I accidentally killed someone. Please.”
That’s how a 911 call began in a case that would unravel into allegations of control, isolation and abuse within a family investigators later described as cult-like.
“My stepmom… My dad is going to kill me,” the caller told the operator, identifying himself as Ian Anselmo. “I guess I strangled her. I don’t remember doing it. I remember the argument.”
The victim, 39-year-old Sue-Ellen Anselmo, who was pregnant at the time, was found in a Eustis cemetery.
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, along with the isolation and manipulation of children. Ian Anselmo pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and the case centered on questions surrounding influence, coercion and mental health.
Longtime Central Florida journalist Frank Stanfield is revisiting the case in his latest book, “Murder in the Graveyard: A Family Cult Tragedy.”
Stanfield, a veteran reporter and editor, covered the case as it unfolded and describes it as one of the most twisted stories he has covered. Over a career spanning decades, he has reported on everything from alligator attacks and slain law enforcement officers to high-profile and unusual “Florida man” cases.
The book examines not only the crime, but the family dynamics and psychological manipulation investigators say led up to it, as well as what happened inside the courtroom.
Murder in the Graveyard: A Family Cult Tragedy is available in print, e-book and audiobook formats, including through Amazon.
