Mount Clemens, MI — A Macomb County jury has convicted a Warren man of First-Degree Child Abuse after prosecutors proved he inflicted catastrophic, near-fatal injuries on his then-girlfriend’s 8-month-old son while babysitting the child.
On January 15, 2026, following a two-week jury trial before Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia, jurors found Vincent Charles Zappa, 26, guilty of Child Abuse First-Degree. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Colleen Worden. The conviction carries a potential sentence of life in prison.
According to trial testimony, Zappa was alone with his then-girlfriend’s eight month old baby boy while she was at work on Oct. 23, 2024. He later called 911, claiming the baby was “not acting himself.” The child was rushed to the hospital and listed in critical condition.
Jurors heard extensive medical evidence showing the infant suffered devastating, non-accidental injuries, including an acute subdural hematoma, more than 100 retinal hemorrhages in both eyes, extensive bruising across the body, and blood coming from the mouth. Multiple treating physicians testified about the severity of the trauma and its lasting impact on the child, directly contradicting claims of an innocent explanation.
Zappa remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 8:30 am.
“I want to thank the work of the police, the treating and testifying physicians and the jury for bringing justice to this family,” said Peter J. Lucido. “Our commitment to prosecuting offenders who abuse our most vulnerable victims is unwavering.”
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