On Tuesday, Donovan Faison, 21, was apprehended and charged with two counts of felony homicide in connection with the shooting deaths of his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child. According to police reports, Kaylin Fiengo had declined to undergo an abortion.
The Sanford Police Department has confirmed that Fiengo, 18, was discovered deceased in her vehicle at a local park. According to Allie Griffin’s report for the New York Post, Fiengo had driven to Coastline Park on the night of November 11 to meet with Faison. On the same night, after 11 p.m., she was discovered deceased with a gunshot wound in the driver’s seat of her parked vehicle.
“The events of today follow an extensive investigation that spanned nearly ten months,” stated Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith in a statement. “Our investigators have conducted a comprehensive examination of all available evidence in order to identify the perpetrator of this crime and bring them to justice.”
The pair had been having frequent arguments over the teen’s pregnancy in the prior weeks.
Faison reportedly wanted Fiengo to terminate her pregnancy but she refused and investigators believe her refusal was the “probable motive” for her murder, Sanford cops said in a release.
The teen was at the end of her first trimester at the time of her murder.
In her obituary, Fiengo was described as a devoted mother to her one-year-old son, named Ace.
“Kaylin derived great pleasure from spending time with her son, siblings, and friends.” The obituary went on to describe Kaylin as a child who was known for her love of fun and her mature outlook. “This beautiful young woman and mother was tragically taken from this world in a horrific manner,” Police Chief Smith stated. It is hoped that the arrest of the perpetrator will bring a modicum of solace to the grieving family of Kaylin.
The charges filed against a man for two counts of felony homicides in the deaths of his girlfriend and her unborn baby are both tragic and legally significant, reflecting the recognition of the unborn child’s personhood and rights in the eyes of the law.
From a legal standpoint, the decision to charge the man with two counts of felony homicide acknowledges the principle of fetal personhood, which recognizes that unborn children have legal rights and protections, including the right to life. In cases where a pregnant woman is killed, many jurisdictions consider the death of her unborn child to be a separate offense, distinct from the harm inflicted upon the mother.
This legal precedent reflects broader societal attitudes towards the value and dignity of unborn life, as well as the recognition of the emotional and psychological impact of fetal loss on families and communities. By holding perpetrators accountable for the deaths of both the mother and her unborn child, the legal system seeks to provide a measure of justice and closure to those affected by such tragedies.
However, it’s important to recognize that cases involving fetal homicide raise complex ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding reproductive rights and the autonomy of pregnant individuals. Critics argue that extending legal protections to unborn children could have implications for abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare.
Nevertheless, the charges filed in this case underscore the legal recognition of fetal personhood and the commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, including unborn children. As the legal proceedings unfold, it’s essential to prioritize justice, compassion, and sensitivity towards those impacted by this heartbreaking loss.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
