Fox Lake Mother Accused of Torturing Child for Years

Prosecutors say the woman physically abused her 11-year-old son and directed his sibling to strangle him

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A 34-year-old Fox Lake woman, Priscilla P. Marshall, has been arrested and charged along with her 35-year-old boyfriend, Cody R. Marion, for the alleged long-term abuse and torture of Marshall's 11-year-old son. The child ran away from the home on Friday and sought help at a nearby business, where he was found with numerous injuries. Prosecutors say Marshall physically abused the boy for years, punching him, pouring soap in his mouth and ears, and forcing his siblings to beat him. The child has been placed in protective custody along with his four siblings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality of child abuse and the need for stronger protections and intervention measures to safeguard vulnerable children. The alleged actions of the mother and her boyfriend demonstrate an extreme disregard for the wellbeing of the child and raise concerns about the lack of oversight that allowed the abuse to continue for years.

The details

According to prosecutors, the 11-year-old boy told investigators that the abuse began in 2023 when his mother, Priscilla P. Marshall, first struck him across the face. The abuse allegedly escalated over the years, with Marshall using objects like extension cords, spatulas, and spoons to physically beat the child. She also reportedly forced the boy's older brother to strangle him, punch him, and slam him to the ground. Prosecutors say Marshall would make the boy write 'you're not a loved child, everybody hates you' in a notebook as punishment and would deprive him of food, forcing him to eat separately from the rest of the family.

  • The abuse began in approximately 2023 when Marshall first struck the child across the face.
  • In May 2024, the child was interviewed at the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center regarding the initial abuse incident, prompting a Lake County Sheriff's Office investigation.
  • On Friday, March 10, 2026, the 11-year-old boy ran away from the home and sought help at a nearby business, where he was found with numerous injuries.

The players

Priscilla P. Marshall

A 34-year-old Fox Lake resident who has been charged with aggravated battery to a child under 13, two counts of domestic battery, and child endangerment for the alleged abuse of her 11-year-old son.

Cody R. Marion

A 35-year-old Fox Lake resident who has been charged along with Marshall for the alleged abuse of the child. Prosecutors say he is the boyfriend of Marshall and the stepfather of the victim.

The 11-year-old victim

The child who allegedly suffered years of physical and mental abuse at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, including being forced to write demeaning statements and having his siblings physically attack him.

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What they’re saying

“Children must be protected with every tool we have. Our office will seek to detain these offenders while they are awaiting trial, and then we will make sure that we hold them accountable after we secure guilty findings.”

— Eric Rinehart, Lake County State's Attorney

“To think of a child having to flee their own parents is heartbreaking, and I would tell anyone abusing their child that you will face serious consequences when we find you.”

— Eric Rinehart, Lake County State's Attorney

What’s next

Marion and Marshall are scheduled to appear in court again on April 2 for a preliminary hearing, where the judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the urgent need for stronger child protection measures and better oversight to prevent long-term abuse from occurring. It underscores the importance of empowering children to seek help and ensuring swift intervention when signs of abuse are detected.