Cleveland Toddler Dies After Being Left Alone for 10 Days

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A Cleveland toddler, Jailyn, tragically died after her mother, Kristel Candelario, left her alone at home for 10 days while vacationing. Candelario was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Monday for aggravated murder and child endangerment.

Jailyn's Ordeal and Candelario's Actions

Prosecutors revealed that Jailyn, only 16 months old, was left in a playpen with minimal supplies during Candelario's trip to Puerto Rico and Detroit. Neighbor doorbell camera footage captured the toddler's cries throughout the nights.

Candelario returned home to find Jailyn deceased.  A medical examiner testified that Jailyn suffered from extreme dehydration, starvation, and neglect, likely enduring a week of torment.

Courtroom Testimony

Law enforcement officials, visibly emotional, described the horrific scene they encountered upon arriving at the residence.  Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Anna Faraglia presented evidence, including security footage of Candelario leaving for and returning from her trip, and a heartbreaking 911 call Candelario placed upon finding Jailyn unresponsive.

Candelario's attempt to portray herself as a caring mother by dressing Jailyn before emergency responders arrived was exposed by the dire state of the child.  The prosecutor emphasized the severity of Jailyn's neglect, stating, "Animals take care of their infants better."

Candelario's Defense and Sentencing

Candelario's parents pleaded with the court for leniency, citing her mental health struggles. Candelario herself expressed remorse but maintained a belief of forgiveness from God and Jailyn.

Judge Brendan Sheehan rejected these claims, highlighting the stark contrast between Candelario's vacation photos and Jailyn's suffering. He condemned Candelario's actions as the "ultimate act of betrayal" and sentenced her to life in prison, stating, "Just as you didn't let Jailyn out of her confinement until she died, so too you should spend the rest of your life in a cell without freedom."

A Lasting Memory

Lead detective T.J. Powell concluded the sentencing by reading a poem dedicated to Jailyn, emphasizing the injustice she endured and the hope for a new life beyond her tragic demise.

His voice quivered as he read a poem in her memory:

J is for the justice that will be received today.

A is for the angel wings she earned on that dreadful day.

I is for the incremental repetition buildup of suspense for a … death that clearly makes no sense.

L is for the lack of love while alone for 11 days.

Y is for a young life that was taken away.

N is for new eternal life Jailyn gained on that day. No child should ever have to die this way.