A 32-year-old woman from Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty on Thursday, February 22, 2024, to the death of her 16-month-old daughter, who was left alone for ten days while she vacationed in Detroit, Michigan, and Puerto Rico.
Kristel A. Candelario entered her plea on Thursday, admitting to one count of aggravated murder and one count of endangering the life of Jailyn Candelario. This plea comes as part of an agreement with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, which will drop additional charges against Candelario. These include two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault.
The charges to which Candelario has pleaded guilty have severe consequences. She faces the possibility of life imprisonment for the murder charge, with an additional sentence of up to 12 years for child endangerment. Furthermore, Candelario will be subject to 18 months to three years of probation on any potential release.
This legal outcome has been hailed as a significant victory by prosecutors, emphasizing the case’s disturbing nature. County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley remarked on the gravity of the situation, highlighting the unimaginable circumstances that led to the young child’s death. O’Malley stressed the importance of representing the victims, with this conviction marking a step toward justice for Jailyn.
The case came to light on June 16, 2023, when Cleveland Police Department officers responded to a 911 call at a home on West 97th Street. Candelario, upon returning home, discovered her daughter unresponsive and immediately contacted authorities.
An investigation revealed no signs of trauma on Jailyn’s body, but she was found to be extremely dehydrated. Police reports noted the deplorable conditions in which the toddler was left, with her Pack-n-Play playpen containing a liner saturated with feces and urine as well as soiled blankets.
Candelario’s confession to leaving Jailyn alone for an extended period while she vacationed has been a critical part of the case. An autopsy report revealed that the child died from starvation and severe dehydration after being neglected for approximately ten days. The sentencing hearing for Candelario is scheduled for March 18, when the final judgment will be passed.