A Florida man, Travis Ray Thompson, has been sentenced to life in prison for the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl, Jacklyn Schwingel, who suffered a severe spinal injury while in his care. The incident, which occurred in May 2022, followed a breakup between Thompson and Jacklyn’s mother, just a week before the fatal event.
Tragic Incident and Conviction
Thompson, aged 27, was convicted of first-degree murder after jurors deliberated for less than two hours. The conviction stems from the heart-wrenching incident in which Thompson caused significant trauma to Jacklyn, resulting in a fatal spinal injury.
The girl’s spine was reportedly “completely severed” after Thompson applied “significant, gradual force” to her body. The investigation revealed that the injury was caused by Thompson using force from the front of the child’s body, leading to severe internal bleeding and the disarticulation of her lumbar spine.
State Attorney Bill Gladson expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating that the justice system ensured that Thompson would never walk free again. Judge Barbara Kissner, who presided over the case, sentenced Thompson to life in prison.
Timeline of Events
On the morning of May 2, 2022, Jacklyn’s mother stayed at Thompson’s camper to help him with a car repair. After dropping off an older child at a bus stop, Thompson returned to the camper and took care of Jacklyn.
Thompson claimed that they went to a nearby lake for 15 minutes before returning to the camper. He stated that after leaving Jacklyn on a futon, he heard a loud noise and discovered the toddler limp, gurgling, and still breathing shallowly. Thompson claimed that several phone calls were made before Jacklyn’s mother arrived, and together they took her to the hospital.
Despite Thompson’s explanation, hospital staff at AdventHealth Waterman noticed suspicious injuries on Jacklyn’s body. A subsequent investigation revealed that Thompson and the child’s mother had broken up shortly before the incident, and investigators found text messages that pointed to his anger towards her.
Investigation and Discovery
As Thompson continued to maintain his innocence, the investigation revealed that Jacklyn’s injuries were far too severe to be accidental. Authorities determined that the spinal injury was caused by a calculated and forceful action. It was also uncovered that Thompson had been angry with Jacklyn’s mother after their recent breakup, which added to the suspicions surrounding his actions.
Sheriff Billy Woods praised the relentless work of his detectives, who he said were responsible for securing justice for Jacklyn. The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and child abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Travis Ray Thompson’s life sentence ensures that he will never harm another innocent person again. The case serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need to protect them from those who may seek to harm them. Justice has been served for Jacklyn Schwingel, but the loss of her life is an irreplaceable tragedy.
