MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (TCD) — The parents of a 2-year-old boy who died last year will stand trial on charges of murder and child abuse.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office announced that on Wednesday, March 20, 26-year-old Jonathon Cheek and 28-year-old Sierra Zaitona were bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court in connection with the starving death of their 2-year-old son.
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Sierra Zaitona allegedly discovered the boy dead in his crib. According to the prosecutor’s office, Cheek was visiting his mother at her house at the time but returned home after his son’s death.
The medical examiner determined the 2-year-old died of starvation.
Officials charged Cheek and Zaitona with second-degree murder, a life felony, and second-degree child abuse, a 10-year felony. The couple was booked into the Macomb County Jail on $1 million each. According to records, Zaitona and Cheek are scheduled to appear in court for their arraignment on April 8.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said, “When parents betray the sacred trust to nurture and protect, we must ensure that the scales of justice tip in favor of accountability.”
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