The body of 8-year-old Markell Pierce was found Feb. 6 in Round Lake Beach, Illinois; first responders reported the child appeared malnourished and had visible bruises. Markell's mother, Dominique Servant, 33, and her boyfriend, Joey L. Ruffin, 38, have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death and are being held pending trial. Prosecutors allege nearly two years of abuse and neglect, including constant surveillance, forced liquid diets, physical beatings, and restraint exercises; a sibling was hospitalized with signs of abuse. The Lake County coroner's office is conducting further lab and forensic testing.
Malnourished 8-Year-Old Markell Pierce Found Dead in Illinois Home; Mother and Boyfriend Charged With Murder
Dominique Servant; Joey RuffinLake County Sheriff's Office
Round Lake Beach authorities discovered the body of 8-year-old Markell Pierce on Feb. 6 after responding to a report of an unresponsive child at a residence in the 1900 block of Cedar Lake Road. First responders observed visible bruising and signs of severe malnourishment; the child was transported to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
Charges and Allegations
On Feb. 7, police announced that Markell's mother, Dominique Servant, 33, and her boyfriend, Joey L. Ruffin, 38, were each charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment causing death. A judge ordered the pair to remain in custody pending trial.
Dominique ServantLake County Sheriff's Office
Alleged Pattern of Abuse
Prosecutors allege nearly two years of sustained abuse and neglect affecting Markell and his 10-year-old sister. Authorities say the children were constantly monitored inside the home, including cameras in bedrooms, and were reportedly only allowed to leave rooms with permission. Investigators also allege Markell was placed on a liquid-only diet and received no solid food for at least 48 hours before his death.
Further allegations state Ruffin physically disciplined Markell by striking him with a belt and forcing him to hold an 8-pound weight overhead for prolonged periods. Servant is accused of participating in similar abusive conduct. Some of the alleged abuse was reportedly captured on Ruffin's cellphone, according to prosecutors.
Joey RuffinLake County Sheriff's Office
Other Victims and Previous Reports
A 10-year-old sibling was interviewed at the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center and later admitted to a hospital with signs of abuse and malnourishment. The couple also has a 3-year-old child who, prosecutors say, does not appear to have been abused.
Last year a daycare director, Carrie Pinske, told the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) that the children often appeared hungry and sought extra snacks. Pinske said the children's mother removed them from the daycare days after the center's concerns were reported to DCFS. A DCFS spokesperson confirmed the family was not receiving DCFS services at the time of the boy's death.
A photo of the home where the 8-year-old was found deadWGN News/YouTube
Ongoing Investigation
The Lake County Coroner's Office has documented evidence of malnourishment and injuries; final determinations remain pending additional laboratory and forensic testing. Law enforcement agencies involved include the Round Lake Beach Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and task force investigators.
Round Lake Police Chief Ryan Rodriguez posted that the community is 'grieving' and urged residents to come together in the wake of the tragedy.
Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart called the death 'preventable' and condemned the alleged abuse. Officials with the Lake County Coroner’s Office, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, DCFS, and Chief Rodriguez did not immediately provide further comment to PEOPLE when contacted.
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