A Texas man has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the death of an 8-year-old girl who died from severe dehydration after being forced to jump on a trampoline in extreme heat. On Friday, 49-year-old Daniel Schwarz admitted to manslaughter charges and accepted a plea deal, resulting in an 18-year prison sentence.
Schwarz’s decision to plead guilty comes after his wife, Ashley Schwarz, was sentenced to three life sentences for capital murder in 2023. The case dates back to August 2020, when Odessa Police responded to a medical emergency at a home on Locust Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Jaylin Schwarz, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
During their investigation, police determined that Jaylin had been subjected to severe punishment by her guardians, Daniel and Ashley Schwarz. The couple had forced the young girl to jump on a trampoline without stopping while denying her food and water. Authorities later discovered that the temperature of the trampoline at the time was around 110 degrees, with the ground beneath it reaching approximately 150 degrees.
An autopsy confirmed that Jaylin died from dehydration, and her death was ruled a homicide. Following the investigation, both Daniel and Ashley Schwarz were initially charged with capital murder. While Ashley Schwarz was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, Daniel Schwarz opted for a plea deal, reducing his charges to manslaughter.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the abuse and the extreme conditions the child was subjected to before her death. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the cruel and inhumane punishment directly led to Jaylin’s fatal dehydration.
With his guilty plea, Daniel Schwarz will serve 18 years behind bars, while Ashley Schwarz will remain incarcerated for life. Authorities have reiterated the importance of child protection and continue to encourage the public to report any signs of abuse to prevent similar tragedies.
