A mother and her boyfriend were charged after the alleged brutal killing of a 6-year-old boy in Oakland County.
Elaina Rose Jennings, 25, and Daniel John Giacchina, 32, of Madison Heights, have been charged with first-degree child abuse and murder in connection with the death of Jennings’ 6-year-old son, Giovanni “Chulo” Jennings.
The tragic incident occurred on July 30, 2024, when Jennings made a 911 call at approximately 2:34 p.m., reporting that her son was not breathing.
Responders from the Madison Heights Fire Department and the Madison Heights Police Department arrived at the scene, finding Chulo unresponsive and displaying multiple injuries. He later died the next day at the hospital.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation revealed a pattern of severe abuse inflicted upon Chulo by Jennings and Giacchina. Prosecutors allege that the couple regularly beat and tortured the young boy.
Chulo was confined, punched, and even bound to a wall using a staple gun. Despite his desperate need for medical attention, Jennings reportedly refrained from seeking help, fearing that a medical examination would expose the extent of the abuse.
During the autopsy, graphic evidence of the abuse was found. Bruising and lacerations cover Chulo’s entire body, including his scalp, temples, lips, inner mouth, cheeks, forehead, chin, shoulders, & more.
Prosecutor McDonald also said that Chulo was beaten in the presence of his two younger siblings.
“For punishment, Chulo was confined to a pen in a corner of Giacchina’s and Jennings’ bedroom, where he was left to try and sleep on a wooden slat.” “A black curtain was put in place so Chulo couldn’t see out, and barricades were used to keep him in place.”
The investigation further revealed that after the abuse, Jennings and Giacchina conspired to mislead authorities, falsely claiming that Chulo’s biological father had been the last person with the child.
