(CBS) – A Michigan couple is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in Connection to the death of a 6-year-old boy from Madison Heights.

Elaina Rose Jennings, 25, of Madison Heights, and her boyfriend Daniel John Giacchina, 32, of Madison Heights, are charged with murder in the death of Jennings’ son, who authorities said was “locked down, beaten and tied to the wall with a staple gun.”

The Oakland County District Attorney’s Office said 6-year-old Giovanni “Chulo” Jennings was “seriously injured,” but Jennings did not seek medical treatment for her son because doing so would have exposed the abuse.

Giacchina was last week charged for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm as a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon and lying to a police officer. Jennings was also charged last week with lying to a police officer.

On the afternoon of July 30, Madison Heights police and firefighters responded to a call from Jennings, who said her son was not breathing. When they arrived, police found the boy unconscious and suffering from multiple injuries. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries on July 31.

Prosecutors accuse the couple of abusing and regularly beating the boy and then lying to police by claiming that the abuse was committed by another person who was last seen with the child.

“After spending hundreds of hours carefully reviewing the evidence in this case, what we found can only be described as horrific. Chulo was locked up, beaten, and tied to the wall with a staple gun. He was seriously injured but was not taken to medical care because his mother knew a medical examination would reveal the abuse,” Oakland County District Attorney Karen McDonald said in a statement. “Every child deserves safety, 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 use every means available to hold those responsible for his death accountable.”

Jennings and Giacchina were arraigned in Oakland County court on Friday and both were denied bail. They are being held in the Oakland County Jail.

“I am proud of the first responders who quickly arrived on the scene and the investigators who worked around the clock with the District Attorney’s Office to quickly obtain and review the evidence in this case,” said Madison Heights Police Chief Brent LeMerise. “Our focus remains on the victim and his family and loved ones. We will continue to work to bring justice for his tragic death.”

The two will appear in court again on August 21 to discuss the probable cause of action.