Michigan father who abused and starved his 2-year-old son to death learns his fate
12/19/2024 12:23 pm PST
MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (TCN) -- A 26-year-old man will spend decades behind bars in connection with the abuse and starving death of his toddler son.
In a news release posted Dec. 18, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said a judge sentenced Jonathon Cheek to 24 to 50 years for second-degree murder and 86 months to 10 years for second-degree child abuse after the defendant pleaded no contest to the charges.
According to prosecutors, Sierra Zaitona allegedly discovered her 2-year-old son deceased in his crib on March 16, 2023. Cheek was visiting his mother at the time but returned home after the boy’s death. The medical examiner determined the child died of starvation.
Prosecutors charged both Cheek and Zaitona with second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse. Per court records reviewed by the Detroit Free Press, Zaitona’s trial is set for April 1.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said, "This is a heartbreaking and profoundly sad case. A 2-year-old child, full of potential and deserving of love and care, was failed in the most devastating way. No sentence can bring back this innocent life, but hopefully the family can begin to heal."
MORE:
- Father Sentenced in the Starvation Death of His Two Year Old Son - Macomb County Prosecutor's Office
- Parents Bound Over to Macomb County Circuit Court for the Alleged Starvation Death of Their Two Year Old Son, 3/21/2024 - Macomb County Prosecutor's Office
- Father sentenced 24-50 years in state prison in starvation death of son, 2 - Detroit Free Press
- Michigan couple charged in connection with starving death of 2-year-old son, 3/22/2024 - TCN
