Sanford, FL – A Florida man convicted of killing his pregnant girlfriend because she refused to have an abortion is now facing the death penalty, as a jury prepares to decide whether he will be executed or spend the rest of his life in prison.
The Crime: Pregnant Teen Found Shot Dead in Parked Car
According to prosecutors, 23-year-old Donovan L. Faison was found guilty on Monday of first-degree murder and killing an unborn child in the 2022 death of 18-year-old Kaylin Fiengo. The sentencing phase of the trial began Wednesday in Seminole County Court.
The murder took place on November 11, 2022, in Coastline Park in Sanford, about 25 miles north of Orlando. Police on patrol discovered a car backed into a parking space with Fiengo’s body in the driver’s seat, dead from a gunshot wound. Detectives later confirmed that she was pregnant and had just completed her first trimester.
Investigators say that Fiengo had gone to the park that evening to meet Faison, with whom she had been arguing repeatedly about the pregnancy. Once she arrived, Faison allegedly shot her at close range and left the scene.
Investigation and Evidence Linking Faison to the Murder
Over the course of a 10-month investigation, Sanford detectives collected digital evidence and text messages showing Faison’s intent to kill. Prosecutors said the motive stemmed from Faison’s anger and pressure after learning that Fiengo was pregnant while he was living with another woman who suspected him of cheating.
When Fiengo sent him a picture of two positive pregnancy tests, Faison allegedly erupted in anger, accusing her of lying before texting “Abortion!!!” to her phone.
Later, he sent a chilling text to a friend, writing:
“On my brother’s grave, I’m gonna crop her out.”
During closing arguments, Prosecutor Domenick Leo told jurors that the text messages provided clear and convincing evidence of premeditation, saying:
“Phones are an extension of your mind and your body. He said he was going to do it—then he did it. The police got the right guy.”
Faison was arrested in August 2023 without incident and has remained in custody since.
Court Proceedings and Possible Death Penalty
The jury that convicted Faison will now determine whether he should receive the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Florida law allows capital punishment in first-degree murder cases where aggravating factors—such as the killing of a pregnant woman—are present.
Prosecutors described the crime as “brutal, deliberate, and motivated by control.” They also emphasized that the killing destroyed two lives—the mother and her unborn child.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith praised investigators for their work, calling the case one of the most heartbreaking his department has handled.
“Our investigators made sure every shred of evidence was processed and analyzed in order to bring Kaylin’s killer to justice,” Smith said. “This beautiful, young woman and mother was taken from this world far too soon, and in a horrific way.”
Family’s Reaction: “An Empty Hole in My Heart That Will Never Heal”
The victim’s family has spoken publicly about the devastating loss. Fiengo, who was already the mother of a 1-year-old son, was described as loving, hardworking, and determined.
Her father, Ricky Fiengo, told local media that the family will raise her son together in her memory.
“It’s going to take a village; it’s going to take all of us to help and chip in to raise that child and let that child know how great his mother was,” he said.
Her mother remembered her daughter as “vivacious, loving, funny, and caring,” adding:
“She graduated high school early as a young mother, with her cap saying ‘Mommy did it.’ She is a loss for many, but for her mom, an empty hole in my heart that will never heal.”
Background and Legal Context
Under Florida law, first-degree murder carries the maximum penalty of death by lethal injection or life imprisonment without parole. The killing of an unborn child during a felony also constitutes a capital offense.
The case highlights the state’s aggressive stance on domestic violence and pregnancy-related homicides, which have seen an increase in recent years. Legal experts note that text evidence—especially messages expressing intent—has become crucial in modern murder prosecutions.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The sentencing phase will determine Faison’s fate in the coming days. Prosecutors plan to present victim impact statements from Fiengo’s family, while the defense is expected to argue for life imprisonment, citing Faison’s young age and potential for rehabilitation.
Police officials and community leaders have called the case a reminder of the urgent need for domestic violence prevention programs, especially those involving young couples.
Conclusion
The murder of Kaylin Fiengo has left a deep wound in the Sanford community and sparked discussions about domestic violence, reproductive control, and justice for women. As Faison awaits his sentencing, her family says their only hope is that true justice is served for both Kaylin and her unborn child.
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