MACOMB COUNTY, MI – A Michigan man has received a lengthy prison sentence for his role in the starvation death of his 2-year-old son.
Jonathon Matthew Cheek, 26, was charged after his son was found dead in his crib in March 2023. A coroner later determined the cause of death was fatal starvation.
Cheek claimed in October he pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse.
On Wednesday, Macomb County District Court Judge Edward Servitto sentenced Cheek to 24 to 50 years for murder and 86 months to 10 years for child abuse.
“This is a heartbreaking and deeply sad case. A two-year-old child who was full of potential and deserving of love and care was devastatingly failed,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “No verdict can bring back this innocent life, but hopefully the family can begin to heal.”
The boy's mother, Sierra Zaitona, 28, was also charged with second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse.
Her trial is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025.
