A Cleveland mom who pleaded guilty to aggravated murder for leaving her toddler in a playpen while on a 10-day trip was sentenced Monday to life without parole.
Kristel Candelario, 32, was found guilty of “the ultimate act of betrayal” for leaving her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn
in a playpen “trapped in a tiny prison,” while she flew to Puerto Rico and Detroit last June.
Judge Brendan Sheehan sentenced Candelario to life in a jail without freedom, saying, “Just as you didn't
let Jailyn out of her confinement, so too you should spend the rest of your life in
Forensic pathologist Elizabeth Mooney declared Jailyn's death a homicide due to pediatric neglect-caused malnutrition and dehydration.
Cleveland television station WKYC livestreamed the sentencing hearing Monday, where prosecutors showed security footage of Candelario
Authorities said Candelario contacted 911 10 minutes later to report her daughter's death.