A 16-month-old baby, Janiya Thompson, was found dead in her Cleveland apartment after allegedly being left alone for over a week by her mother, 21-year-old Kristen Jones. Police say Jones locked the child inside on March 18 while she went on vacation to Michigan. She returned nine days later and called 911, but paramedics found Janiya had been dead for days. The scene was described as “heartbreaking and extremely negligent.”

Jones was arrested and charged with abandonment, aggravated child neglect, and involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors requested she be held without bail, citing the seriousness of the crime.Neighbors were unaware the baby was left alone. “We never imagined she had left her alone,” one said, assuming the mother had taken the child with her as before.

The incident sparked outrage online. One user wrote, “How can a mother put a vacation before her daughter’s life?” Janiya’s name quickly went viral as people expressed grief and anger.

Experts stress the need for stronger support for young mothers and timely reporting of suspected neglect. “If those closest to them act responsibly and report them promptly, these types of tragedies can often be prevented,” said social worker María Elena Vargas.