Merritt Island, FL – Two Florida parents are facing criminal charges for allegedly abusing and killing their 2-month-old son in 2021, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. 26-year-old Donovan Winter and 23-year-old Belle Winter are charged with first-degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse following an investigation into the infant’s death.
Text Messages Reveal Struggle with Bedtime
Court documents show that the parents exchanged messages expressing frustration over their child’s bedtime routine. Messages included phrases such as “Ugh this kid is killing me” and “I’m done with this … you already know what I’m going to do.”
Investigators allege these texts demonstrate that both parents struggled with their infant son, leading to abusive behavior during bedtime.
Between March 31, 2021, and June 1, 2021, Donovan and Belle Winter reportedly discussed ways to stop the baby from crying, with Donovan allegedly admitting in texts, “I’ll do what I normally do” and “easy asf. He will be sleeping 24/7 when you at work.“
Infant Found Critically Injured
Deputies responded to the Merritt Island home in June 2021 and found the 2-month-old boy face down in a bassinet with a pacifier in his mouth. An autopsy conducted at the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the infant died from multiple blunt-impact head injuries, police said.
Parents’ Statements to Police
During interviews in May 2025, both parents denied knowledge of the events leading to their son’s death. Belle Winter claimed she took a two-hour shower before discovering the infant unresponsive, while Donovan described attempts to calm the baby by rocking and moving him, admitting he may have been a little rough without realizing his own strength.
Donovan allegedly demonstrated a “vertical type hold as he jumped up and down” and admitted placing the baby face down in the bassinet with a pacifier, which was the same position the infant was found the next morning.
Investigation Reveals Abuse
The affidavit indicates that both parents struggled with the baby during bedtime, and that Donovan admitted to throwing the child into the air and failing to catch him roughly two weeks before the infant’s death. Witnesses confirmed that the child had been healthy and injury-free until the night of June 1, 2021. Investigators also reviewed images and video showing the child wearing the same clothes that morning, indicating no prior injuries.
Current Status
Both Donovan Winter, 26, and Belle Winter, 23, are being held at the Brevard County Jail without bond. Authorities continue to prepare charges and evidence for the ongoing legal proceedings.
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