Mother Left Toddler To Die At Home While On Vacation In Puerto Rico

OHIO – A woman has pleaded guilty to murder charges in connection to the death of her toddler who she left alone for 10 days while she went on vacation.

Kristel Candelario, 32, entered a guilty plea to for one count of aggravated murder and one count of endangering children Thursday, according to online records. She was acquitted of two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault.

On June 6, 2023, Candelario left her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn Candelario, unattended and alone for ten days her at home.

She went on vacation in Puerto Rico and Michigan, Detroit and didn’t return home until June 16, 2023. On the morning of her return, she found the toddler unresponsive and called police. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

According to reports, prosecutors say Jailyn was severely dehydrated. She was found inside of a playpen that was soiled with urine and feces with blankets.

Candelario was arrested on June 17 and charged with murder.

She was fired from her school job following her arrest. Her sentencing has been set for March 18.