CLEVELAND (WJW) – The woman who is accused of leaving her 16-month-old daughter alone for more than a week while she vacationed, leading to the girl’s death from starvation and dehydration, was sentenced to life in prison without parole in a Cleveland courtroom Monday morning.

Kristel Candelario, 32, left her 16-month-old daughter Jailyn Candalario, alone and unattended at her home near Lorain Avenue and West 97th Street in Cleveland on June 6. She did not return until June 16, 2023.

Authorities said Candelario traveled to Detroit and Puerto Rico. She returned 10 days later to find the girl unresponsive and called police.

The child was pronounced dead at the home. She was discovered in a playpen soiled with urine and feces, according to the release. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined she died of starvation and severe dehydration and ruled her death a homicide.

On February 22, Candelario pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated murder and one count of endangering children. On Monday, Candelario was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of patrol for aggravated murder and 8-12 years for endangering children.

During the sentencing, Candelario‘s parents and Jailyn’s grandparents stood up to speak.

“My heart is ripped apart in 1000 pieces,” Jailyn’s grandmother said. “I am here to tell the world, that my daughter came from a home where there were values, beliefs, emotions, warmth. Where the most important thing was family.”

The grandmother continued on to say about Candelario, “Her emotional health was affected on more than one occasion. Between her work and other responsibilities and day-to-day life, in the middle of all that, she never prioritized continuing treatment. Because of all that, her depression and anxiety all ended up consuming her.”

In tears, she said, “I want to say before Jailyn that your memory will never leave us. We love you. Your grandparents will never forget you.” She continued on to say to her daughter, Candelario, “Forgive me for not having detected what you were going through.”

Candelario’s dad also stood up to speak in the courtroom. He said in part, “I am shocked by everything that happened and I am giving moral and spiritual support to our daughter, Kristel.
I ask for compassion, understanding and mercy. Depression and anxiety consumed her to the point of depriving her of good judgment.”

“My beloved daughter, always remember that we will never forget Jailyn, our beloved granddaughter. We miss you very much. I carry her image always within my memory. Jailyn is the light of our life,” he said.

During the sentencing, it was revealed that Candelario also has a 7-year-old daughter.