In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the nation, Travis Ray Thompson, a 27-year-old Florida man, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter, Jacklyn Schwingel.
The horrific incident occurred on May 2, 2022, just one week after Jacklyn’s mother ended her relationship with Thompson.
According to the NYP, the toddler suffered catastrophic injuries, including a severed spine and extensive internal bleeding, resulting from a vicious beating that authorities described as an act of unimaginable cruelty.
On the morning of May 2, 2022, Jacklyn’s mother left her daughter in Thompson’s care at his camper in Marion County, Florida, while she went to work.
The two had been in a relationship for several months, but the mother had ended it approximately a week prior, a decision that reportedly left Thompson enraged.
Text messages uncovered by investigators revealed his anger toward her, providing a possible motive for the heinous act.
Approximately 25 minutes after the mother left for work, Thompson called her to report that something was wrong with Jacklyn. When she returned, she found her daughter lifeless, with a barely beating heart.
The mother and Thompson rushed the toddler to a hospital in Tavares, Florida, where medical staff attempted life-saving measures. Tragically, Jacklyn was pronounced dead three hours after arriving at the emergency room.
An autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the extent of the toddler’s injuries. The cause of death was determined to be traumatic injuries to her torso, including a severed lumbar spine and severe internal bleeding.
The medical examiner concluded that Thompson had applied “significant, gradual force” to Jacklyn’s upper and lower body, bending her backward beyond her natural range of motion until her spine snapped. The sheer brutality of the act left investigators and prosecutors in disbelief.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office launched a swift investigation into the incident. Initially, Thompson claimed he was in a separate room when he heard a loud noise and found Jacklyn limp and “gurgling,” taking shallow breaths.
He admitted to being the only person with the toddler at the time but denied causing her injuries. However, the medical evidence contradicted his account, pointing to deliberate and forceful abuse.
On September 1, 2022, the Medical Examiner’s Office released its findings, confirming the cause of death and the extent of the injuries. Thompson was arrested on September 8, 2022, and charged with first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse.
He was held without bond at the Marion County Jail. Notably, Thompson had a prior history of suspected child abuse in 2019, when he was accused of accidentally breaking a four-year-old child’s arm.
Although he was not arrested in that case, he was subject to an injunction to prevent child abuse, which he later violated by possessing firearms.
The trial took place in 2025, with a jury deliberating for just under two hours before finding Thompson guilty of first-degree murder on June 5, 2025.
The swift verdict reflected the overwhelming evidence against him, including the medical examiner’s report and text messages indicating his anger over the breakup.
On June 5, a judge sentenced Thompson to life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring he will never walk free again.
State Attorney Bill Gladson, representing the Fifth Judicial Circuit, condemned Thompson’s actions, 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.” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods also praised the Major Crimes detectives for their relentless work in securing justice for Jacklyn, emphasizing their dedication to the case.
The case has sparked outrage across Florida and beyond, with many expressing horror at the brutality inflicted on an innocent toddler.
Posts on X reflected public sentiment, with users calling for harsher penalties, including the death penalty, and describing Thompson’s actions as “evil.” Some criticized the lack of capital punishment in this case, citing Florida’s stance on the death penalty and political debates surrounding it.
The tragedy has also raised questions about the warning signs of domestic violence and child abuse. Thompson’s prior history and documented anger toward Jacklyn’s mother highlight the need for better protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly children in potentially volatile environments.
Authorities have urged anyone suspecting child abuse or neglect to contact local agencies or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453, emphasizing the importance of swift intervention.
