Here on Stolen Lives, we discuss brutal and heartbreaking crimes against children.

Themes may include child murder, torture, and sexual domestic and child abuse.

I do try my best to remain respectful for the babies in these stories

and leave out unnecessary details that honestly, none of us need to know to understand the frustration

of why and how this ever happened.

However, if you find any of these themes triggering this podcast may not be for you.

Listener discretion is advised.

This week's story is a listener's suggestion.

Thank you to Nancy for bringing Jalene's story to my attention.

I'm going to take this moment to thank you all for everything.

All the supporting and listening and all your beautiful emails and messages.

I'm going to take this moment too to apologise that I've fallen behind and responding to your emails and messages. I'm going to take this moment too to apologise that I've fallen behind and

responding to your emails and messages. I am horrific at even messaging back my family and friends,

but I will always get back to you, even if it does take me days, weeks, months. Guys, I need to

make this my New Year's resolution for next year. But your suggestions are always taken.

And every episode you listen to was someone's suggestion.

My list is currently sitting at around 300.

And it hurts my heart that there are so many children being abused, neglected and murdered.

And this list doesn't even break the surface.

June 2023, Cleveland, Ohio.

A mother goes on vacation for 10 days, while her 16-month-old baby is left in a pack-and-play,

with only a couple of bottles and some crackers.

...