An Ohio mother has been handed a life sentence following the tragic death of her toddler, whom she left unattended at home for a period of 10 days last summer. Kristel Candelario, aged 32, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of aggravated murder in connection with the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn, who passed away while Candelario was on vacation in June 2023.
This decision was announced by the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office in a press release.
Candelario’s sentencing follows her admission of guilt in February, where she pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated murder and one count of endangering children, as per online records from the Cuyahoga County court.
During the specified period from June 6 to June 16, 2023, Candelario left her young daughter unattended at their residence in Cleveland, as detailed by the prosecutor’s office.
Upon her return home around 8:00 a.m., Candelario discovered her daughter unresponsive and promptly contacted the authorities. Tragically, the toddler was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed Jailyn in a Pack-N-Play pen surrounded by soiled bedding, indicating severe neglect.
Dr. Elizabeth Mooney, the deputy medical examiner of Cuyahoga County, testified in court that the child had succumbed to starvation and dehydration resulting from neglect. Jailyn’s emaciated state, weighing significantly less than her previous doctor’s visit less than two months earlier, highlighted the severity of the neglect.
Further investigation revealed that Candelario had embarked on a vacation to Detroit and Puerto Rico while leaving her child unattended. She was subsequently arrested on June 17 and charged with murder and other related offenses.
Commenting on Candelario’s sentencing, Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley condemned her actions, emphasizing the tragic loss of Jailyn due to her mother’s “unimaginable selfishness.” The sentiment was echoed by County Common Pleas Court Judge Brendan Sheehan, who described Candelario’s actions as “the ultimate betrayal” during the sentencing proceedings.
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