Jonathan Cheek and Sierra Zaitona: 2-year-old boy found dead in crib, parents accused of starving him
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MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN: Michigan parents taken into custody after being accused of fatally starving their two-year-old son. Sierra Pearl Zaitona, 27, and Jonathon Matthew Cheek, 25, were arrested on Monday, March 20, and have been charged with child abuse in the second-degree and second-degree murder.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the couple informed on finding their child dead in his crib last week on Thursday, March 16. Prosecutors wrote, "The coroner determined the cause of death was starvation."
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'I am devastated'
Before the toddler landed in the custody of Cheek and Zaitona, his health was fine while in foster care. During an arraignment, Molly Zappitell, Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor told the court that "For the record, the child was healthy in foster care, and once it got into the care of these two individuals, it met its demise," according to the Macomb Daily. "I am devastated. I’ve been crying all weekend, so sick about it I want to cry," said Zappitell.
Why was the victim in foster care before?
The prosecutors mentioned that the toddler was the biological son of Cheek and Zaitona. However, it is unclear why the victim was in foster care before and exactly when he was he landed back in the couple's custody at their home.
Zappitell, who requested the court for a high bond, presented the alleged killers as a flight risk. Speaking of Zaitona, she reportedly said, "There is no reason for her to stay," and added, "In fact, she had the baby in Ohio to avoid alerting CPS," to which Zaitona responded, "That is not true." At the time, her attorney told her to not say anything, according to WDIV.
The couple accused of the murder of their child is now held on a bond of $1 million set by Magistrate Ryan Zemke. Cheek and Zaitona, who is set to appear for a probable cause hearing on April 3, are required to wear a GPS tether if they are released. Peter J Lucido, Macomb County Prosecutor said, "I would like to thank the Clinton Township Police Department for their hard work during this investigation into the child’s death."
