Last Friday, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announces a jury conviction of Child Abuse First-Degree against a 26-year-old man from Warren who caused devastating injuries to his-then-girlfriend's eight-month-old son.
On January 15th, 2026, after a two-week jury trial before Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia, a Macomb County jury convicted Defendant Vincent Charles Zappa of Child Abuse First-Degree. Assistant prosecutor Colleen Worden prosecuted the case. Zappa's conviction carries a sentence of life or any term of years.
Zappa was babysitting his then-girlfriend’s eight month old baby boy while she was at work. Zappa called 911 claiming the baby was not acting himself. The baby was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition. The jury convicted Zappa after being presented with compelling evidence that Zappa caused devastating injuries to the child, including an acute subdural hematoma (a severe brain bleed), more than 100 retinal hemorrhages in both eyes, extensive bruising across the infant's body and blood from the mouth. Evidence included testimony from multiple treating physicians who detailed the severity of the injuries and the impact on the child.
Zappa remains in custody. He faces a sentencing before Judge Toia on Thursday, February 26, at 8:30 a.m.
"I want to thank the work of the police, the treating and testifying physicians and the jury for bringing justice to this family. Our commitment to prosecuting offenders who abuse our most vulnerable victims is unwavering," said Lucido.
On January 15th, 2026, after a two-week jury trial before Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia, a Macomb County jury convicted Defendant Vincent Charles Zappa of Child Abuse First-Degree. Assistant prosecutor Colleen Worden prosecuted the case. Zappa's conviction carries a sentence of life or any term of years.
Zappa was babysitting his then-girlfriend’s eight month old baby boy while she was at work. Zappa called 911 claiming the baby was not acting himself. The baby was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition. The jury convicted Zappa after being presented with compelling evidence that Zappa caused devastating injuries to the child, including an acute subdural hematoma (a severe brain bleed), more than 100 retinal hemorrhages in both eyes, extensive bruising across the infant's body and blood from the mouth. Evidence included testimony from multiple treating physicians who detailed the severity of the injuries and the impact on the child.
Zappa remains in custody. He faces a sentencing before Judge Toia on Thursday, February 26, at 8:30 a.m.
"I want to thank the work of the police, the treating and testifying physicians and the jury for bringing justice to this family. Our commitment to prosecuting offenders who abuse our most vulnerable victims is unwavering," said Lucido.
