Friday, August 9, 2024

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Friday, August 9, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD alongside Madison Heights Chief of Police Brent LeMerise held a joint press conference announcing murder and 1st degree child abuse charges against Elaina Rose Jennings, a 25-year-old resident of Madison Heights, and Daniel John Giacchina, a 32-year-old resident of Madison Heights. Those charges are in addition to charges of lying to a peace officer filed against both defendants last week, and additional gun and ammunition charges against defendant Giacchina.

Defendant Jennings is now charged with Murder, 1st Degree Child Abuse, and Lying to a Police Officer. Defendant Giacchina is charged with Murder, 1st Degree Child Abuse, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Felony Firearm, and Lying to a Police Officer.

These charges are related to an incident that occurred on July 30, 2024, in Madison Heights. At approximately 2:34 pm, defendant Jennings called 911 to report that her son, 6-year-old Giovanni “Chulo” Jennings was not breathing. The Madison Heights Fire Department, along with the Madison Heights Police Department responded to the scene where they found Chulo unresponsive with multiple injuries. The child was initially transported to Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital and subsequently to Children’s Hospital for medical attention but ultimately died on July 31, 2024. It is alleged that the defendants severely abused and regularly beat the victim. The defendants then conspired to falsely tell police that it was another individual who was last with the child, when in fact the victim was left in the care of defendant Giacchina. Both defendants were taken into custody and are being held at the Oakland County Jail.

"After spending hundreds of hours carefully sifting through the evidence in this case, what we found can only be described as horrific. Chulo was confined, beaten, and bound to the wall using a staple gun. He was badly injured, but he was not taken for medical treatment because his mother knew that a medical examination would reveal the abuse,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “Every child deserves safety and security, not terror and abuse. 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.”

"I am proud of the first responders who responded swiftly to the scene along with the investigators who worked around the clock alongside the Prosecutor’s Office to quickly obtain and review the evidence in this case,” stated Madison Heights Chief of Police, Brent LeMerise. “We remain focused on the victim and his family and loved ones. We will continue to work to provide justice for his tragic death.”

On Friday, August 9, 2024, defendants Jennings and Giacchina were arraigned in the 43rd District Court before Magistrate Michael Mitchell. The court denied bond for both Jennings and Giacchina. A Probable Cause Conference is set for August 21, 2024, at 11:00 am in the 43rd District Court.

Murder is a felony punishable by life imprisonment and requires DNA to be taken upon arrest. 1st Degree Child Abuse is a felony punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years. Possession of Ammunition by a Felon is a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000 and requires mandatory forfeiture of the weapon or device. Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 and requires mandatory forfeiture of the weapon or device. Felony Firearm carries a mandatory 2 years consecutive sentence. Lying to a Peace Officer is a high misdemeanor punishable by 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

###

CONTACT: ocpomedia@oakgov.com