(CNN) — The tragic case of 16-month-old Jailyn shocked the community of Cleveland as her mother, Kristel Candelario, was sentenced to life in prison for her daughter’s death. Last year, Jailyn was left alone in a playpen for 10 days while her mother went on vacation to Puerto Rico, leaving the little girl to suffer in agony before succumbing to her fate.
Prosecutors recounted the harrowing details of Jailyn’s final days, noting the extreme separation anxiety young children experience between nine and 18 months. The forensic pathologist described the unbearable suffering Jailyn endured, including extreme hunger and thirst, as her desperate cries for help went unanswered.
Candelario pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and child endangerment, admitting to abandoning her daughter while she enjoyed her vacation. Upon her return, she found Jailyn dead, and her attempts to clean up the scene could not conceal the neglect and abuse the baby had endured.
During the sentencing, law enforcement officials and prosecutors described the heart-wrenching condition in which Jailyn was found – dehydrated, emaciated, and lying in filth. Candelario’s parents attributed her actions to mental health issues, pleading for mercy and understanding from the court.
In a powerful statement, Judge Brendan Sheehan condemned Candelario for betraying the sacred bond between mother and child, leaving Jailyn to die in solitary confinement while she enjoyed her vacation. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with the judge emphasizing that Candelario’s actions were an act of treason against her own daughter.
As the community grapples with the senseless loss of a young life, Detective Senior Constable TJ Powell paid tribute to Jailyn’s memory with a poignant poem that underscored the tragedy of her untimely death. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and protection for the most vulnerable members of society, urging all to prioritize the well-being and safety of children like Jailyn.