MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – After fewer than two hours of deliberation, a Marion County jury found 27-year-old Travis Ray Thompson guilty of First Degree Murder in the 2022 death of 2-year-old Jacklyn Schwingel. Judge Barbara Kissner sentenced Thompson to life in prison immediately following the verdict.

“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,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Smiling toddler Jacklyn Schwingel, age 2, sits on a wooden post outdoors surrounded by fallen leaves.
Jacklyn Schwingel, 2, was the victim in a 2022 child abuse case that led to the conviction of Travis Ray Thompson in Marion County. Courtesy: Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was first alerted to the case on May 3, 2022, after receiving a report of suspected child abuse from AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares. Despite life-saving efforts, Jacklyn was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.

Detectives with the MCSO Major Crimes Unit launched a full investigation. According to reports, the child’s mother had left Jacklyn in Thompson’s care while she went to work. Just 25 minutes later, Thompson called the mother to report that the child was unresponsive.

Judge Barbara Kissner speaks from the bench in a Florida courtroom with the state seal and flag visible behind her.
Travis Ray Thompson seated in a courtroom, resting his hand on his chin during his murder trial.
Assistant State Attorney in a red suit gestures while delivering closing arguments in a Florida courtroom during a murder trial.
Courtroom scenes from the trial of Travis Ray Thompson, including the judge, prosecutor, and defendant. Courtesy: Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office

The mother returned home to find her daughter lifeless and with a distended abdomen. On the way to the hospital, Jacklyn stopped breathing, and EMS personnel met the pair at a nearby business to transport her for emergency care.

Hospital staff suspected internal bleeding and notified authorities. During an interview, Thompson told detectives that he heard a loud noise while Jacklyn was in another room and later found her unresponsive. He denied knowing how she was injured.

On September 1, 2022, the Medical Examiner’s Office determined Jacklyn died from traumatic injuries, including a severed spine and internal bleeding. The examiner concluded that the injuries were caused by gradual but severe force—bending the child’s body backward until her spine broke.

“I’m incredibly proud of my Major Crimes detectives for their relentless work on this heartbreaking case,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “Their dedication helped secure justice for an innocent child. I also want to thank State Attorney Bill Gladson and his team for delivering a guilty verdict. In Marion County, we protect our children – and we hold those who harm them accountable.”

Thompson was arrested and charged shortly after the medical findings were finalized. Assistant State Attorneys Amy Berndt and Sasha Kidney successfully prosecuted the case.

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