An Illinois mother and her boyfriend are facing first-degree murder charges following the death of her 8-year-old son in Round Lake Beach.
Authorities in Lake County say the child endured nearly two years of alleged neglect and abuse before his death.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office announced charges against 29-year-old Dominique Servant and her boyfriend, Joey Ruffin. Both are charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment. A judge has ordered them held in jail.
“This office will prosecute for first-degree murder when a child dies as a result of abuse or criminal neglect,” said Eric Rinehart.
The Lake County Coroner identified the child as Markell Pierce.
Police responded Friday to a home on Cedar Lake Road after reports of an unresponsive child. Investigators said the boy had visible bruising and appeared severely malnourished. He later died at a hospital.
An autopsy found evidence of injuries and malnourishment, according to the coroner’s office.
During a court hearing, prosecutors alleged that Servant and Ruffin admitted to routinely striking Markell and his 10-year-old sibling with belts and forcing them to carry eight-pound weights as punishment.
Family members of Servant attended the hearing and said they were unaware of the alleged abuse. One relative said the child appeared noticeably smaller during a recent Thanksgiving visit but was told he had been ill.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services stated the family had not been receiving services prior to the incident but described the child’s death as profoundly heartbreaking.
The Special Education District of Lake County confirmed that Servant works as a paraprofessional at Fairhaven School in Mundelein and said the organization is deeply saddened by the tragedy.
Officials said a 10-year-old sibling remains hospitalized and recovering. Prosecutors do not believe a 3-year-old sibling was abused. Child welfare authorities are now evaluating placement options for the remaining children.
