A man has been sentenced to life in prison after a two-year-old girl under his care died. Travis Ray Thompson, 27, was found guilty of first-degree murder within two hours by a jury for the killing of Jacklyn Schwingel on May 2, 2022. The tragic incident occurred a week after Jacklyn’s mother ended her relationship with Thompson.
Upon leaving her daughter with Thompson that morning and heading to work, Jacklyn’s mother received a call just 25 minutes later reporting an issue with the toddler. Returning home, she found Jacklyn unresponsive with a weak pulse and a swollen abdomen.
Following examination at the hospital, medical professionals suspected internal bleeding in the child and alerted the authorities. The Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Jacklyn’s death resulted from severe torso injuries, including a broken spine and abdominal bleeding.
Investigations revealed that Thompson had inflicted significant force on Jacklyn’s body, causing her back to break beyond its natural limits. Despite being the only person present with the victim, Thompson claimed ignorance about how the injuries occurred.
Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, condemned Thompson’s actions, ensuring he would never be released from prison for his heinous crime. This sentencing comes after grandparents Kerry and Michael Ives were imprisoned for the murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, due to ongoing abuse. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, also faced consequences for her involvement in allowing her son’s death. Ethan tragically passed away from head injuries sustained at his grandparents’ residence in North Wales after a delayed emergency response. Medical reports indicated deliberate force caused Ethan’s fatal injuries, alongside signs of severe malnutrition and bruising.