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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.
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