A Round Lake Beach, Illinois, woman is facing serious charges after her 8-year-old son was found dead inside their home in what authorities are calling a tragic and preventable death.
Police arrested 33-year-old Dominique Servant along with her boyfriend, 38-year-old Joey L. Ruffin, on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment causing death following the discovery of her son, identified as Markell Pierce, in their residence on Feb. 6.
The boy appeared malnourished and bruised when first responders arrived, and died later at a hospital despite efforts to revive him.
According to prosecutors, evidence suggests that Markell and his 10-year-old sister endured nearly two years of severe abuse that included food deprivation, physical punishment and constant surveillance inside the home. Investigators say both children were monitored with in-home cameras and rarely allowed to leave their rooms—even to use the bathroom—without permission.
Prosecutors allege that Servant and Ruffin subjected Markell to extreme punishments, including forcing him to hold weights above his head and striking him with belts. Some of the abuse was reportedly recorded on Ruffin’s cell phone, according to court documents and statements from local authorities.
Markell’s sister was also hospitalized with signs of malnourishment and mistreatment, while a 3-year-old sibling has not shown evidence of abuse, officials said. Local child welfare agencies had received a report concerning the family in the past, including concerns about the children being unusually hungry, but the department was not actively providing services to the household at the time of the boy’s death.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart called the death “preventable” and said the pain inflicted on the young boy should alarm community members and authorities alike. A judge has ordered both Servant and Ruffin to remain in custody as they await further proceedings.
The investigation into Markell’s death remains active. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
