Merritt Island, FL – A Florida couple has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of their 2-month-old son in 2021, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
Donovan Winter, 26, and Belle Winter, 23, are both facing charges of first-degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse. Donovan Winter was arrested on June 17, 2025, while Belle Winter was extradited from Pennsylvania after authorities issued her arrest warrant.
Investigation and Arrests
Authorities said the arrests followed “an extremely thorough investigation”, including the extraction of cellphone records and text messages between the parents. BCSO Public Information Officer Tod Goodyear explained:
“These cases, as you know, they sometimes can take a long time when you’re dealing with a child abuse case such as this. You’re having to deal with medical evidence, the Department of Children and Families, child protection team, medical examiner and a lot of times you have more than one caretaker that may have had access to the child during its life.”
Incident Details
Deputies responded to a residence in Merritt Island in June 2021, finding the infant face down in a bassinet with a pacifier. Law&Crime reported that the autopsy at the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the baby died from multiple blunt-impact head injuries.
Court documents indicate the couple struggled with the baby’s bedtime routine, which included bouts of inconsolable crying. Text messages recovered from their phones allegedly show exchanges.
Investigators allege Donovan Winter admitted to using a vertical hold while jumping up and down with the baby and placing him face down in the bassinet with the pacifier held in place, which reportedly stopped the child from crying.
Parent Statements and Witness Accounts
During interviews in May 2025, both parents claimed they did not know what happened to the infant. Belle Winter stated she had taken a two-hour shower the night the baby died. Donovan Winter described moving the child to try and make him “happy”, but denied violent intent.
Witnesses told investigators that the baby had been in good health with no injuries from March 31, 2021, until June 1, 2021. Photos and videos recovered from the parents’ phones corroborated the child’s consistent clothing and appearance on the day of death.
Custody and Charges
Both Donovan and Belle Winter are being held at Brevard County Jail without bond. The charges include:
- First-degree felony murder
- Aggravated child abuse
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
Conclusion
The tragic death of the 2-month-old highlights the serious consequences of child abuse and the importance of child safety and supervision. Officials urge caregivers to seek help when struggling with infant care to prevent such tragedies.
Have you or someone you know faced challenges with infant care? Share safety tips and resources in the comments below.
