An Ohio woman has been charged with murder after her 16-month-old toddler was found dead in her Cleveland home, where she had been left alone and unattended for over a week. Kristel Candelario, 31 years old, was arrested and appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court on Tuesday.
The tragic incident came to light when officers from the Cleveland Division of Police responded to a call at the woman’s residence on Friday, June 23, at approximately 7:51 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the child unresponsive and immediately called for medical assistance. Unfortunately, the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to reports, investigators determined that the child had been left alone for approximately 10 days, during which time she tragically lost her life. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a comprehensive autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Initial observations did not reveal any overt signs of physical trauma.
Prosecutors allege that Candelario left her home on June 6 to embark on a 10-day vacation, leaving her infant daughter without any supervision. She reportedly traveled to Detroit, Michigan, and Puerto Rico during her absence. Upon returning home, she discovered her child in an unresponsive state and immediately called emergency services for help.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley expressed his disbelief that a mother would leave her young child alone without supervision for such an extended period, emphasizing the responsibility parents have to protect and care for their children. The prosecutor’s office has vowed to seek justice on behalf of the victim.
“As parents, we are supposed to protect and care for our children,” said Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. “Imagining this child’s suffering, during her last days of life alone, is truly horrifying and we will do everything in our power to seek justice on her behalf.”
Candelario now faces charges of murder, aggravated murder, felonious assault, and endangering children. The indictment states that she left her 16-month-old daughter alone in the residence, where the child was found in a Pack-N-Play pin surrounded by soiled bedding. The 31-year-old’s bond has been set at $1 million, and she remains in custody. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 28
