An Ohio mother will spend the rest of her life in prison for leaving her toddler home alone for over a week, leading to the child’s death from starvation. 32-year-old Crystal Candelario abandoned her 16-month-old daughter, Jaylen, at their home on June 6, 2023, while she embarked on a vacation.
Candelario was absent for 10 days, returning on June 16th to the horrific discovery of her daughter’s lifeless body in a filthy playpen. The young toddler was severely dehydrated and emaciated, weighing less than 14 pounds at the time of her death.
Crystal Candelario appears in court
Crystal Candelario appears in court during her sentencing hearing
Investigations revealed Candelario had traveled to Detroit and Puerto Rico during this period. Security footage from a neighbor’s Ring doorbell showed Candelario leaving her daughter alone for two days before departing on her trip. Further evidence, including airline tickets and social media activity, confirmed her presence in Puerto Rico.
Candelario initially lied to investigators, claiming she had been home all week and her daughter had not been eating well. However, the evidence overwhelmingly contradicted her story.
The emaciated body of Jaylen Candelario
Jaylen Candelario, the 16-month-old victim of neglect
Dr. Elizabeth Mooney, the medical examiner, described Jaylen’s death as one of the most tragic cases in her career. The child’s body showed signs of severe dehydration, emaciation, and fecal matter on her hands, feet, and lips. Dr. Mooney concluded that Jaylen likely died two to three days before her mother’s return, enduring unimaginable suffering.
During the sentencing, prosecutors played a harrowing 911 call where Candelario feigned distress upon finding her daughter unresponsive. However, investigators later discovered that Candelario returned to Detroit the following day to visit one of the men she had been dating.
The prosecution emphasized the egregious nature of Candelario’s actions, highlighting her blatant disregard for her daughter’s well-being. They argued that Candelario prioritized her own pleasure over her parental responsibilities, ultimately leading to a horrific and preventable death.
Candelario’s defense attorney acknowledged the gravity of her actions but argued that she had been struggling with mental health issues and was not in her right mind. They pointed to her history of anxiety, depression, and medication mismanagement as mitigating factors.
Despite the defense’s arguments, the judge remained unconvinced, stating that mental health issues did not excuse Candelario’s choices. The judge condemned Candelario’s actions, calling them the “ultimate act of betrayal.”
In a tearful statement, Candelario expressed remorse for her actions, asking for forgiveness from God and her daughter. However, the judge’s sentence reflected the severity of her crime.
Candelario’s life sentence, without the possibility of parole, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of child neglect and the paramount importance of a parent’s duty to protect their children.
