Ohio Mother Sentenced to Life for Toddler’s Death After 10 Days Alone in Playpen

An Ohio mother, Kristel Candelario, aged 32, was sentenced to life in prison without parole after the tragic death of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn Candelario. The incident took place in Cleveland, Ohio, where Candelario left her toddler alone and unattended in a playpen for an appalling 10 days while she traveled to Puerto Rico and Detroit.

Upon her return, Candelario found her daughter, Jailyn, deceased and immediately called 911. The authorities discovered that Jailyn was extremely dehydrated at the time of her death, leading to a heartbreaking investigation in Cuyahoga County.

During the court proceedings, Assistant Prosecutor Anna Faraglia presented compelling evidence, including photos of Candelario smiling and socializing with friends in Puerto Rico. Additionally, a Ring doorbell camera captured haunting moments of Jailyn screaming days after being left alone in the house.

Candelario initially misled the police about her vacation and even altered her daughter’s appearance before authorities arrived at the scene. Her defense attorney, Derek Smith, highlighted her mental health struggles, mentioning a previous suicide attempt and subsequent use of antidepressants.

In her statement to the court, Candelario expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the pain surrounding her daughter’s loss. However, Judge Brendan Sheehan condemned her actions, labeling them as the utmost betrayal, deciding that she must endure life imprisonment for the devastation she caused.