Candelario, who pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and child endangerment, had gone on vacation to Detroit and Puerto Rico in June 2023. Despite her pleas for forgiveness and struggles with depression, the court deemed her actions as the "ultimate betrayal." 

In a tragic case that shocked many, Kristel Candelario, a 32-year-old mother from Ohio, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn. The heartbreaking incident occurred when Candelario left her toddler alone in a playpen for 10 days while she went on vacation to Detroit and Puerto Rico in June 2023.

Upon her return, Candelario discovered her daughter unresponsive in the playpen and immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived to find Jailyn in an extremely dehydrated state, and despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. An autopsy conducted by the Cuyahoga County medical examiner’s office revealed that the cause of death was starvation and severe dehydration.

During the court proceedings, Candelario pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and child endangerment as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. The plea deal led to the dismissal of two murder counts and a felonious assault charge. County Common Pleas Court Judge Brendan Sheehan, presiding over the case, condemned Candelario's actions, describing them as "the ultimate betrayal." He emphasized the severity of her neglect, stating that she deprived her daughter of basic necessities like food and water.

Despite Candelario's claims of struggling with depression and related mental health issues, Judge Sheehan sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He highlighted the stark contrast between Candelario's actions and her daughter's plight, noting that while she enjoyed her vacation, Jailyn suffered in isolation and neglect.

Throughout the proceedings, Candelario expressed remorse for her actions and pleaded for forgiveness. She shared that she prays daily for forgiveness and acknowledges the pain caused by the loss of her baby. However, the court deemed her actions irredeemable, emphasizing the gravity of her negligence and the tragic consequences it brought.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of parental responsibility and the devastating consequences of neglect. It also underscores the need for mental health support and awareness to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.