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.
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"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."
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Her sentencing is scheduled for March 18. Candelario faces life in prison.
