
Mother sentenced to life without parole for leaving toddler home alone in 'tiny prison'
Cleveland woman sentenced to life for leaving toddler alone, causing starvation and dehydration. Mother chose vacation over daughter's suffering.

In a shocking and heartbreaking case, Kristel Candelario, a 32-year-old woman from Cleveland, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to aggravated murder. This tragic story unfolds when Candelario left her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn Candelario, alone in a playpen for 10 days while she embarked on a vacation to Puerto Rico and Detroit last June.
A Mother's Betrayal
A judge characterized Kristel Candelario's actions as "the ultimate act of betrayal," referring to the 16-month-old child as being "trapped in a tiny prison" during her mother's absence. Judge Brendan Sheehan emphasized the severity of Candelario's actions by decreeing that she should spend the rest of her life incarcerated, deprived of freedom, similar to the confinement she imposed on her daughter.
Forensic Findings and Legal Proceedings
Forensic pathologist Elizabeth Mooney's findings revealed that Jailyn's death was a result of starvation and severe dehydration due to pediatric neglect. Consequently, the court ruled Jailyn's death as a homicide. Furthermore, Candelario also pleaded guilty to child endangerment, compounding the severity of her offenses.
The Heart-wrenching Circumstances
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented security footage depicting Candelario leaving her residence with a suitcase on June 6 and returning on the morning of June 16. Approximately ten minutes after her return, Candelario made a distressing 911 call, indicating her daughter's critical condition. Shockingly, it was revealed that Candelario had altered her daughter's appearance before seeking assistance, attempting to conceal the true extent of the neglect.
A Tragic End to Young Life
Mooney described the harrowing ordeal that Jailyn endured, stating that the toddler suffered extensively for up to a week before her passing. The heartbreaking truth emerged that the child's suffering was prolonged and excruciating, highlighting the severity of Candelario's negligence and disregard for her daughter's well-being.
Legal Proceedings and Emotional Testimony
Candelario, who worked as a substitute teacher, initially claimed to have been caring for her ill and vomiting daughter before finding her unresponsive. The court learned that law enforcement investigators, including Cleveland Police Sgt. Teresa Gomez, expressed profound gratitude for being able to advocate for Jailyn. Gomez emphasized the horrific nature of the case, underscoring how Candelario prioritized her vacation over her daughter's welfare, resulting in a tragic and agonizing death.
Legal Response and Emotional Turmoil
In response, Candelario's defense attorney, Derek Smith, acknowledged her struggles with depression and anxiety but stressed that these conditions did not justify her actions. Additionally, Candelario's parents appealed for compassion, attributing her actions to mental and emotional illnesses that impaired her judgment.
However, Candelario's attempts to cover up her crime demonstrated a lack of remorse, indicating to the judge that she had numerous opportunities to save her daughter. The judge lamented the fact that despite the child's suffering, she persisted for a week in anticipation of rescue, a simple act that Candelario failed to fulfill.
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