Mother, boyfriend charged in ‘horrific’ death of 6-year-old child

MADISON HEIGHTS — Following a lengthy investigation, authorities now believe that a young boy who died in Madison Heights was abused and killed by his mother and her boyfriend.

The victim is Giovanni “Chulo” Jennings, age 6. He was found unresponsive around 2:30 p.m. July 30 when first responders arrived at the mobile home community in the 25000 block of Dequindre Road where he lived. His mother — Elaina Rose Jennings, 25 — had called 911, telling dispatchers that her son wasn’t breathing.

Upon arrival, police officers and paramedics noted that Giovanni had suffered multiple injuries. He was taken immediately to Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, and then to Children’s Hospital. He died the following day.

Shortly after the incident, both Elaina Jennings and her live-in boyfriend — Daniel John Giacchina, 32 — were arrested and charged with lying to a police officer, a two-year felony. Giacchina was also charged with felony weapons offenses.

On Aug. 9, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and Madison Heights Police Chief Brent LeMerise held a joint press conference announcing the case had been upgraded to also include murder and first-degree child abuse charges against both Elaina and Giacchina.

Murder is punishable by life imprisonment and requires DNA to be taken upon arrest, while first-degree child abuse is punishable by any number of years up to life in prison.

Both suspects are being held in Oakland County Jail. They were arraigned on their charges before Magistrate Michael Mitchell in the Madison Heights 43rd District Court on Aug. 9. They were both denied bond.

“This is a devastating and complex case. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” said Jordan Zuppke, the attorney for Elaina Jennings, in an email. “At this time, we remind the public that Elaina Jennings is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty in a court of law. We trust the legal process to thoroughly examine all the evidence, and we ask that people allow the facts to be fully reviewed before drawing any conclusion.

“Out of respect for the investigation and privacy of those involved, we will not be making further comments at this time,” Zuppke added.

Leonard Ballard, the attorney representing Giacchina, did not answer a request for comment by press time.

Police say that at first, the suspects claimed they left the child in the care of another person, who they said was to blame for the boy’s injuries. However, police soon determined that the couple were lying, and that the boy had in fact last been with Giacchina.

McDonald described an investigation spanning hundreds of hours sifting through evidence that painted a picture she said could only be described as “horrific.” The boy had allegedly been confined, beaten and stapled to a wall using a staple gun. When his injuries became life-threatening, he was reportedly not taken to a hospital because his mom feared a medical exam would expose her crimes.

“Every child deserves safety and security, not terror and abuse,” McDonald stated. “I commend the diligent work of the Madison Heights Police Department. Together, we will continue to seek justice for Chulo, and will use every resource available to hold those responsible for his death accountable.”

LeMerise added, “I am proud of the first responders who responded swiftly to the scene along with the investigators who worked around the clock alongside the (Oakland County) Prosecutor’s Office to quickly obtain and review the evidence in this case. We remain focused on the victim and his family and loved ones.”

After the press conference, LeMerise said that a witness told police that the boy had also been shot by a BB gun. The chief said there was evidence to corroborate the claim.

“The situation that was discovered by our police on July 30 was absolutely tragic. No one, let alone an innocent child, should have to endure that type of affliction,” LeMerise said in an email. “(The Madison Heights Police Department) will continue to work with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office to build a strong case against the defendants and provide justice for Giovanni ‘Chulo’ Jennings.”

Anyone with more information on this case can call the Madison Heights Police Department at (248) 585-2100.