BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Belle Winter, a Volusia County mother, has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2021 death of her 2-month-old son in Merritt Island. Her arrest follows that of the child’s father, Donovan Winter, who was taken into custody earlier in June 2025.
Belle Winter faces charges of first-degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse, identical to those filed against Donovan Winter. Both parents are currently held without bond at the Brevard County Jail.
The tragic case began on June 1, 2021, when deputies responded to a home in Merritt Island and discovered the infant deceased. An autopsy by the Brevard County Medical Examiner confirmed the baby died from multiple blunt-impact injuries to the head.
Following a lengthy investigation by Brevard County’s Homicide and Crime Scene units, Donovan Winter was identified as the person responsible for the child’s injuries. He was arrested in June 2025 by the U.S. Marshals and the Brevard County GAMEOVER Task Force.
Meanwhile, authorities say Belle Winter relocated to Pennsylvania after the child’s death. A warrant for her arrest was issued after a grand jury indictment, and she was later extradited to Florida.
Now both parents face the same serious charges and await further legal proceedings in Brevard County.
