In a tragic case that has sent shockwaves through Florida, the autopsy of two-year-old Jacquellyn Schwingle has revealed disturbing details surrounding her untimely death. On May 3, 2022, Jacquellyn was rushed to Advent Health Waterman Hospital in Tavares, Florida, after being found in cardiac arrest while in the care of 24-year-old Travis Thompson, the boyfriend of her mother, Kristen. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Jacquellyn was pronounced dead that afternoon, and the circumstances surrounding her death have raised serious questions about the events leading up to the tragedy.
According to police reports, Kristen claimed that an unspecified incident occurred while Jacquellyn was with Thompson. The couple reportedly did not call emergency services until they were already en route to the hospital, creating suspicion among investigators. Sheriff’s deputies dispatched to the family’s RV campground sought to piece together what had transpired, but with no eyewitnesses and no surveillance footage, attention quickly turned to Travis, the last person to be with the child.
In the initial interviews, Thompson insisted he had no idea what had happened. He described hearing a thud while in the bathroom and finding Jacquellyn unresponsive on the floor. He attempted CPR and claimed to have called for help, but investigations revealed inconsistencies in his statements. Notably, a significant time lapse had occurred between the moment he reported finding the child and when emergency services were finally contacted.
As the investigation unfolded, medical experts conducted an autopsy that revealed severe injuries, including a broken spine. The nature of these injuries led investigators to doubt Thompson’s account of the events. They speculated that Jacquellyn’s injuries were inconsistent with an accidental fall and suggested that they may have been the result of intentional harm. Furthermore, police discovered a troubling history; Thompson had previously been a suspect in a child abuse case where he admitted to breaking a child’s arm, raising red flags regarding his suitability as a caregiver.
With mounting evidence against him, Thompson’s demeanor during questioning raised further suspicions. He appeared defensive and often shifted blame, suggesting that the injuries could have been caused by hospital staff during treatment. The detectives, however, were unconvinced, emphasizing that the injuries were not consistent with any previous medical care and asserting that they pointed to foul play.
As the investigation continued, Thompson was eventually charged with first-degree murder. The case drew significant media attention, culminating in a trial that began in June 2025. Throughout the proceedings, Thompson maintained his innocence, refusing to accept any responsibility for Jacquellyn’s death. However, it took the jury only two hours to reach a verdict, ultimately convicting him of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison, with prosecutors declaring that “life in prison is too good for this kind of evil.”
The case has raised broader discussions about child protection and the systems in place to safeguard vulnerable children. As Thompson appeals his conviction, the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon, with many left to wonder how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
