Mother Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Murder for Leaving Toddler Alone During Vacation
Kristel Candelario faces life in prison after her 16-month-old daughter died of starvation and severe dehydration.
- Kristel Candelario, 32, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and child endangerment after leaving her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn, alone for 10 days.
- Candelario left Jailyn in a playpen at their Cleveland home while she vacationed in Detroit and Puerto Rico in June 2023.
- Emergency responders found Jailyn "extremely dehydrated" and pronounced her dead due to starvation and severe dehydration.
- Neighbors had previously warned Candelario against leaving her daughter alone, expressing willingness to help care for Jailyn.
- Candelario faces a life sentence, with her sentencing scheduled for March 18.