(WWJ) - Parents of a Clinton Township toddler have been charged in relation to allegedly starving him to death.
According to a press release form the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, 28-year-old Sierra Zaitona allegedly found her son dead in his crib at their Clinton Twp. home on March 16. The father, 26-year-old Jonathon Cheek, was visiting his mother when the discovery was made, but later returned home.
The medical examiner determined the child died from "fatal starvation."
Zaitona and Cheek were charged with second degree murder, which carries a life sentence, and child abuse second degree, which has a 10-year sentence, the statement said.
Both were bound over to the Macomb County Circuit Court on March 21.
"When parents betray the sacred trust to nurture and protect, we must ensure that the scales of justice tip in favor of accountability," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said.
Cheek and Zaitona are scheduled to be arraigned on April 8.



