Clinton Twp. parents face murder, child abuse charges in toddler son's death

Two Clinton Township parents face up to life in prison in connection with the death of their two-year-old son who Macomb County prosecutors say died of starvation last week.

Jonathon Cheek, 25, and Sierra Zaitona, 27, were arraigned Monday on second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse charges by Magistrate Ryan Zemke in Clinton Township's 41-B District Court. The defendants' bond was set at $1 million cash each and they would each have to wear a GPS tether if released.

Police said officers and firefighters were called Thursday to the couple's home on Dominique Street for a report of an unresponsive two-year-old child. They arrived and found the child deceased in and began a preliminary investigation which resulted in charges against Cheek and Zaitona, officials said in a statement Tuesday.

A coroner determined that the two-year-old boy had starved to death.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for April 3 at 8:30 a.m. in front of District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Clinton Township police said the investigation into the child's death is ongoing and officials urge anyone with information about the incident to call Det. Thomas Hill at (586) 493-7886.

hmackay@detroitnews.com