An Ohio mother has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to the murder of her 16-month-old daughter. The tragic incident occurred when prosecutors revealed that the child was left home alone for 10 days in a playpen while her mother went on vacation to Detroit and Puerto Rico.
The mother, Kristel Candelario, 32, expressed remorse during her sentencing hearing, stating that she has sought forgiveness from both God and her deceased daughter, Jailyn Candelario.
County Common Pleas Court Judge Brendan Sheehan delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing that Candelario should spend the rest of her life in confinement as she had denied her child freedom and basic care.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley condemned Candelario's actions, describing the neglect as a 'new low in parental care.' The prosecutor's office detailed that Jailyn was found unresponsive upon Candelario's return home, having been left alone and unattended for the duration of her mother's vacation.
An investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police revealed that Jailyn was extremely dehydrated at the time of her death and was discovered in a playpen surrounded by filth and soiled bedding.
Candelario pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and endangering children charges in February. She cited struggles with depression and related mental health issues, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of her daughter.
Despite her remorse, Candelario's actions have resulted in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, as she faces the consequences of her neglect and the tragic death of Jailyn.
