By Natalia Rueda 
A tragedy that shocked the city of Cleveland came to an end Monday with the sentencing of Kristel Candelario, a 32-year-old woman, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Candelario was convicted of murder charges in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn.
The events occurred the summer of June 2023, when Candelario left her daughter at home for 10 days while she went on vacation to Puerto Rico. Upon returning, she found Jailyn dead and made a call to the police, unfortunately the baby was pronounced dead at the scene from extreme dehydration and neglect. It was later determined that she was abandoned in a pen with soiled blankets and a liner full of urine and feces.
During the trial, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley expressed disgust at Candelario’s actions. The prosecution alleged that the mother purposely left Jailyn and failed to arrange for someone to care for her in her absence.
The jury’s verdict was unanimous that Candelario was guilty of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of murder, aggravated battery and child endangerment. A shocking case that has sparked debates about parental responsibility and how far some can go to evade their obligations. Reminding us that parenting is a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly.