Florida Man Convicted of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend After She Refused Abortion Faces Death Penalty
SANFORD, Fla. — A 23-year-old Florida man has been convicted of murdering his 18-year-old pregnant girlfriend after she refused to have an abortion, according to prosecutors and court testimony.
The man, identified as Donovan Faison, was found guilty of killing Kaylin Fiengo, who was five months pregnant at the time of her death. Fiengo’s body was discovered inside her car at a park in Sanford, Florida, with a gunshot wound to the head and an ultrasound image of her unborn child beside her.
Text Messages Reveal Premeditation
Evidence presented at trial showed a series of disturbing text messages between Faison and Fiengo in the days leading up to the murder. When Fiengo sent positive pregnancy tests confirming she was expecting his child, Faison allegedly replied with a single message — “Abortion!!!”
Investigators say he later lured her to Lake Minnie Park, where the fatal shooting took place. Prosecutors described the act as “cold, calculated, and premeditated,” arguing that Faison planned the murder after she refused to end her pregnancy.
Jury Recommends Death Sentence
After deliberation, a jury voted 11-1 in favor of recommending the death penalty for Faison. The recommendation was based on what jurors called the “execution-style” nature of the killing, combined with the murder of an unborn child.
“This was an unthinkable act of control and cruelty,” said the State Attorney’s Office in a statement following the verdict. “Kaylin and her baby’s lives were taken because she made a personal choice about her own body.”
Final Sentencing to Be Determined by Judge
A judge will now decide whether to uphold the jury’s death penalty recommendation. Faison remains in custody at the Seminole County Jail, where he awaits formal sentencing.
Under Florida law, judges are not bound to follow a jury’s death recommendation but must give it “great weight” when considering the final decision.
Remembering Kaylin Fiengo
Loved ones described Fiengo as a bright, kind, and loving young woman who was excited about motherhood and had plans to continue her education.
“She was just starting her life,” a family friend said. “Kaylin was strong, independent, and loved her baby already. She didn’t deserve this.”
Her death has reignited conversations in Florida about domestic violence, reproductive rights, and coercion in relationships, with advocates calling for greater protections for young women facing threats from partners.
Community Reaction
The case has drawn national attention due to the motive and the brutality of the crime. Prosecutors emphasized that Fiengo’s refusal to comply with Faison’s abortion demand was the sole trigger for the murder.
“This case underscores the dangers women face when their autonomy is challenged through violence,” prosecutors added.
Faison’s sentencing hearing is expected later this month.
For continuing updates on this case and other major court developments across the Southeast, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
