Father charged after infant's drug-related death near Des Plaines

A Des Plaines-area man has been charged in the drug-related death of his infant son nearly a year ago, authorities announced Thursday.

Michael Piazza, 40, of the 9600 block of Bianco Terrace, was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in the death of a child.

Piazza's 1-month old son, Jaiden, died in May 2021, Cook County sheriff's police said in a news release.

Piazza had called 911 and told police that he and his son were sleeping in bed when he noticed the infant wasn't waking up, the release said.

Toxicology reports subsequently showed Jaiden died of fentanyl poisoning, sheriff's police said.

Piazza and Jaiden's mother were arrested Monday as part of the investigation.

Piazza told police he purchased and ingested illegal drugs while caring for the infant, the release said. Jaiden's mother was released without being charged.

Piazza's bail was set at $300,000 Wednesday in the Skokie branch of Cook County court. He is next scheduled to appear in court May 11.