Donovan Faison, a 23-year-old Florida man, faces the death penalty for killing his 18-year-old girlfriend, Kaylin Fiengo, and their unborn child after she refused an abortion. The incident occurred in 2022 at Coastline Park in Sanford, Florida, where Faison shot Fiengo in the head as she sat in her car. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Faison had become enraged by the pregnancy and felt ‘angry’ and ‘pressured,’ especially as he was living with another woman who suspected him of infidelity.
During the trial, texts between the couple revealed Faison’s hostility, including messages like ‘Abortion!!!’ and a later threat to ‘crop her out’ on his ‘brother’s grave.’ The jury convicted Faison of first-degree murder, killing an unborn child, and burglary with a firearm, with an 11-1 vote in favor of the death penalty. The Office of the State Attorney announced the decision in a news release, highlighting the severity of the crime.
Faison’s family, including his parents and siblings, argued for a life sentence, while the victim’s family delivered moving victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing. Fiengo’s mother, Sarah Schweickert, expressed profound grief, stating that ‘the grief never leaves’ and that her daughter’s absence is an ‘unending weight.’ Circuit Judge Donna Goerner will decide Faison’s final sentence on December 5, pending the outcome of the sentencing hearing.
The case has sparked national debate on issues of consent, violence, and abortion rights, with many condemning the act of killing a pregnant woman for refusing an abortion. Despite public sentiment, the legal proceedings continue to follow established protocols, focusing on the prosecution’s arguments and the victim’s family’s pleas for justice.