Michigan Mother Sentenced in Death of Toddler Son Who Starved After Returning from Foster Care

A 29-year-old mother was sentenced to 24 to 50 years in prison after pleading no contest in the tragic starvation death of her 2-year-old son.

Macomb County, Michigan — A mother convicted in the heartbreaking death of her toddler son has been sentenced to decades in prison following an investigation that revealed the 2-year-old boy starved to death after being returned to his biological parents from foster care.

Sierra Pearl Zaitona, 29, appeared in court on April 9, 2025, where she was sentenced to 24 to 50 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse in connection with the death of her son.

Zaitona and the child's father, 26-year-old Jonathon Matthew Cheek, were both arrested in March 2023 after they called 911 to report finding their son unresponsive in his crib. The toddler was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy later confirmed the cause of death was starvation. Court records revealed that the child had previously been placed in foster care, where he was described as healthy, nourished, and developing well. However, upon being reunited with Zaitona and Cheek, his condition deteriorated drastically.

In October 2024, Cheek reached a plea agreement with prosecutors and was sentenced in December to 24 to 50 years for second-degree homicide and up to 10 years for second-degree child abuse. His sentences are to be served concurrently.

Zaitona, who received the same sentence this week, will also be listed on Michigan’s Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido released a statement acknowledging the gravity of the case: "The tragic circumstances surrounding this case are heartbreaking as they involve the loss of a young life. An entire family is also permanently impacted in a terrible way. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope this resolution brings some measure of healing and closure while providing justice for the victim."

The case has raised questions about how the child welfare system monitors the safety of children following reunification with their biological parents. The toddler’s brief time in foster care had been marked by healthy growth and improvement, making the outcome even more devastating.

As communities continue to demand greater oversight and accountability in child protection cases, the sentencing of both parents serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences when that system fails.

Authorities have not released the name of the child out of respect for the family, but the impact of his loss continues to resonate throughout the state.

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