"Mother Receives Life Sentence for Leaving Toddler Alone During Vacation, Resulting in Child's Death"

An Ohio woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to the aggravated murder of her 16-month-old daughter, whom she left alone at home in a playpen while she went on a 10-day vacation. The toddler was found unresponsive and pronounced dead upon the mother's return, with medical examiners determining that she had died of starvation and dehydration. The judge condemned the mother's actions as the "ultimate act of betrayal" and highlighted her lack of remorse, while her attorney cited her mental health issues.