Mother, who was known among the neighbors as an absentee mother, left her 1-year-old daughter unattended in the home for over a week while she was on a vacation, resulting in the child’s death; pleads guilty
Court records show that a 32-year-old woman, later identified as Kristel, admitted to aggravated murder and endangering the life of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn. The guilty plea to one count of aggravated murder and one count of endangering the life of a child brought an end to the prosecution’s case, which originally included additional charges of murder and felonious assault. In a plea agreement with the prosecutor’s office, these additional charges were dropped. The consequence of her actions could see Kristel facing life in prison for the murder charge, along with up to 12 years for the child endangerment charge. Furthermore, a probationary period of 18 months to three years is expected should she ever be released.
The tragic incident was brought to light when first responders were called to a residence on the morning of June 16, responding to Kristel’s report of finding her daughter unresponsive. The discovery of Jailyn’s severely dehydrated body, with no signs of trauma but in a deplorable state, underscored the neglect she suffered. She was declared dead at the scene. Officers also discovered soiled blankets and a bottom liner soaked in urine and feces.
According to reports, Kristel told investigators she had left her toddler unattended for 10 days while she was on vacation. Investigators also talked with Kristel’s neighbors, who told them that Kristel was known as an absentee mother and recalled a prior event where she left her daughter at their apartment and asked if they could watch the child for a weekend, but disappeared for several weeks and went to pick up the child after about a month and a half.
As Kristel awaits her sentencing hearing set for March 18, the community and legal system alike hope for a resolution that will honor the memory of Jailyn and serve as a deterrent against such heinous acts of neglect in the future.
