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.