• A Florida man was sentenced to life in prison for the horrific murder of his ex-girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter, Jacklyn Schwingel.
  • Medical examiners revealed the toddler died from severe internal injuries, including a severed spine, after being left in his care.
  • The case highlights the urgent need to detect and prevent child abuse to protect vulnerable children.

The Dupree Report – A Florida man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of the gruesome murder of his ex-girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter. The jury found 27-year-old Travis Thompson guilty of first-degree murder after prosecutors revealed he fatally severed the spine of young Jacklyn Schwingel just days after the couple’s breakup. The chilling details of the crime have left a community shaken and highlight the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.

Child Found in Critical Condition After Alleged Abuse

On May 3, 2022, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspected child abuse report at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, Florida. The toddler, Jacklyn Schwingel, had arrived at the emergency room in critical condition, displaying signs of severe internal injuries. Despite the medical team’s efforts to save her, the child tragically succumbed to her wounds.

According to investigators, Jacklyn’s mother had left her in Thompson’s care that morning while she went to work. Barely 25 minutes later, Thompson called her, saying something was wrong with the child. When Jacklyn’s mother arrived, she found her daughter unresponsive, with a shallow pulse and a visibly distended abdomen.

Disturbing Details of the Crime

The case took a grim turn when the Medical Examiner’s Office released its findings. On Sept. 1, 2022, the examination revealed that Jacklyn had died from traumatic injuries to her torso, including a severed spine and internal bleeding behind her abdomen.

Prosecutors described the horrifying extent of the abuse, stating, “Based on the severity and nature of the break, it was determined that Thompson applied significant, gradual force to the victim’s upper and lower body and bent her backward beyond her natural range of motion until her back broke.”

Thompson initially told detectives that he and Jacklyn were in separate rooms when he “heard a loud noise” and found her unresponsive. He claimed he had no idea how the injuries occurred, but investigators quickly dismissed his story as inconsistent with the evidence.

Justice Delivered with Life Sentence

During the trial, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office presented compelling evidence to the jury, leaving no doubt about Thompson’s guilt. On June 4, the jury convicted him of first-degree murder, and a judge immediately sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

State Attorney Bill Gladson did not mince words following the sentencing, calling Thompson a “monster” and stating, “This monster stole the life of an innocent child, and today, the justice system made sure he will never walk free again. Life in prison is too good for this kind of evil.”

A Community Reeling from Tragedy

This devastating case has left a lasting impact on the Florida community. Cases like Jacklyn’s underscore the critical importance of detecting and preventing child abuse before it turns fatal. As the family mourns the loss of their beloved daughter, the community is reminded of the need to protect the most vulnerable among us.

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