Ohio Mother Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Daughter's Starvation Death

Kristel Candelario received the maximum sentence for leaving her toddler alone to die while she vacationed, amid claims of forgiveness and remorse.

Kristel Candelario, an Ohio mother, has been sentenced to life without parole for the aggravated murder of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn, who starved to death while Candelario vacationed for 10 days.
Candelario left Jailyn alone in a playpen filled with soiled blankets and without food or water, traveling to Detroit and Puerto Rico.
During her sentencing, Candelario expressed remorse and cited struggles with depression and mental health, claiming both God and her daughter have forgiven her.
Prosecutors highlighted Candelario's neglect and indifference, presenting evidence of her vacation photos and a 911 call made upon finding her daughter unresponsive.
The case has been described as demonstrating 'unimaginable selfishness' and a 'new low in parental care' by the Cuyahoga County prosecutor.