A murder charge has been filed against a Cleveland woman who allegedly abandoned her 16-month-old child for over a week while going on vacation.
Per an affidavit, 31-year-old Kristel Candelario discovered her daughter, Jailyn, in an unresponsive state on Friday morning. Tragically, Jailyn died at the scene, with investigators observing severe dehydration as a significant factor.
After conducting additional inquiries, authorities revealed Candelario confessed to embarking on an eight-day trip to Puerto Rico and Detroit, leaving her child unattended. Disturbingly, officials also noted that Jailyn’s play bin contained soiled blankets, a saturated bottom liner, and evidence of urine and feces.
Candelario’s neighbors were heartbroken upon receiving the news of the incident.
“We were absolutely heartbroken. We loved Jailyn a lot,” Suleym and her mother said.
The neighbors had their initial encounter with Jailyn in August 2022 when Calendario asked if they could look after her for the weekend. As time passed, the neighbors stated that Calendario would ignore their calls or “make excuses” for not retrieving Jailyn.
“I was the one calling her saying, ‘Look I need milk, I need money. I don’t have money to buy milk for your baby.’ What am I supposed to do?” the neighbors added.
Candelario made her court appearance for arraignment on Tuesday. She is currently held in the Cuyahoga County Jail under a $1 million bond. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 28 at 8:30 a.m.
