In a harrowing case that has shocked Florida residents and devastated a grieving family, a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life behind bars for brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend’s two-year-old daughter.

Travis Ray Thompson was convicted of first-degree murder and given a life sentence for inflicting fatal injuries on Jacklyn Schwingel, a toddler left in his care shortly after his romantic relationship with the child’s mother had ended, as the New York Post reports.

The killing occurred on May 2, 2022, in the wake of an emotionally volatile breakup. Just one week after his former girlfriend ended their relationship, Thompson was entrusted with temporarily caring for her daughter, Jacklyn, while the mother went to work. What followed was a fatal incident of violence that left medical experts stunned by the extent of the child’s injuries.

Toddler left in care of mother's ex

According to investigators, Jacklyn’s mother believed Thompson could be relied upon to babysit for a few hours while she was at work on the day of the crime. Tragically, just 25 minutes after she had left home, Thompson contacted her directly, saying something was wrong with the little girl.

Alarmed by the call, the mother rushed back to the home, only to find her daughter unresponsive and struggling to breathe. The pair immediately brought Jacklyn to a hospital, where medical staff attempted resuscitation. However, her injuries proved too severe, and she was later pronounced dead.

Doctors noted profound internal trauma and suspected physical abuse almost immediately. An autopsy confirmed those fears, describing the nature of Jacklyn’s injuries as indicative of extreme and deliberate violence.

Medical examiner reveals attack's brutality

The Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Jacklyn’s spine had been completely severed, an injury consistent with being bent backward with extreme force. This conclusion eliminated any possibility of accidental harm as a cause of death and helped prosecutors argue that the killing was intentional and premeditated.

In addition to a snapped spine, Jacklyn suffered internal bleeding and widespread trauma consistent with being forcefully assaulted. The treating physicians provided key testimony to investigators that the injuries did not align with Thompson’s claim of an accidental fall.

Thompson asserted to police that he was in another room when he heard a loud noise. Upon checking, he stated he found the toddler unresponsive. However, the physical evidence did not support his version of events, and investigators swiftly determined that the timeline and nature of injuries pointed to deliberate abuse.

Jury convicts, judge delivers life sentence

After hearing grim testimony and reviewing extensive forensic evidence, the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict. Prosecutors had charged Thompson with first-degree murder based on the brutality of the act and supporting forensic testimony pointing to malicious intent.

Following the verdict, a judge sentenced Thompson to life in prison with no possibility of parole. The severity of the sentence reflects the calculated and senseless nature of the child’s killing, which many have described as among the most disturbing crimes in recent memory.

In the wake of the sentencing, many in the state’s legal community reacted with a mix of relief and heartbreak. The case, while successfully prosecuted, served as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of young children and the responsibility of caregivers to protect them.

Community leaders react

Bill Gladson, State Attorney for Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, issued a strong response to the outcome, calling Thompson a “monster” responsible for a heinous and unforgivable act. “This monster stole the life of an innocent child,” Gladson said. “And today, the justice system made sure he will never walk free again.”

Gladson emphasized the scale of the crime, adding, “Life in prison is too good for this kind of evil.” His statement underscored the prosecution’s belief that Thompson posed a continued threat to society and deserved the severest penalty.

The case provoked widespread attention from the public and media, with many expressing disbelief over the brutality of the crime. As the details became public, outrage and sorrow spread across the community, and efforts have intensified around ensuring the safety of children in vulnerable home situations.

Lessons to learn

1. Only leave children with fully trusted individuals: Background and emotional stability matter deeply when evaluating someone to care for a child. Relationships—especially those that have recently ended—may not always be a reliable foundation for caregiving.

2. Watch for signs of instability or resentment: Breakups and emotional stress can sometimes spark unpredictable behavior in individuals. Look for warning signs such as aggression, possessiveness, or unusual behavior that could indicate a person should not be around children.

3. It's never the victim's fault: No child deserves harm, and no caregiver assumes this level of risk willingly. While preventive steps can help, it’s crucial to recognize that crime can happen to anyone. Blame must rest solely with those who choose violence.

Why this story matters

This case highlights critical issues surrounding child safety, domestic violence, and our system’s role in protecting society’s most defenseless. It reminds the public of the tragic consequences when abusers are hidden in plain sight. Most importantly, it reinforces the importance of accountability and justice in the face of unimaginable wrongdoing.

For those who knew Jacklyn Schwingel -- or have followed her story -- the trial’s conclusion offers a sense of closure but not healing. Legal justice may have been served, but a family and a community are still left mourning.