Mother Admits To Aggravated Murder After Leaving Toddler Home Alone For Over A Week While Vacationing
An Ohio woman who left her 16-month-old daughter unattended at home for more than a week while she went on vacation has recently entered a guilty plea.
On Thursday, Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O'Malley revealed that Kristel Candelario has plead guilty to aggravated murder and endangering children in connection to the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn Candelario.
Candelario, 32, left Jailyn "alone and unattended" from June 6 to June 16, 2023 while she travelled to Detroit and Puerto Rico. Upon her return, the toddler was found unresponsive inside a playpen. The playpen's liner and blankets was soiled with urine and feces.
An autopsy by the Cuyahoga County medical examiner’s office determined Jailyn died of starvation and severe dehydration.
"This case is one of those truly unimaginable cases that will stick with me for many years to come," O'Malley said in a statement. "As prosecutors, it is our job to represent the victims and today we spoke on behalf of 16-month-old Jailyn - who is no longer with us - due to the selfish decisions her mother made. This conviction today is the first step towards justice for Jailyn."
Her sentencing is scheduled for March 18. Candelario faces life in prison.
