Illinois Lawmaker Demands Answers from DCFS After 8-Year-Old's Murder

State Sen. Seth Lewis is pushing for transparency from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services following the death of Markell Pierce.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An Illinois state lawmaker is calling for accountability from the state's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) after the murder of 8-year-old Markell Pierce in Round Lake Beach. Sen. Seth Lewis is requesting a meeting with DCFS Director Heidi Mueller to understand what the agency knew about past abuse allegations against Markell's mother and her boyfriend, who have been charged with his murder. Lewis says the 'safety net failed' Markell, and he wants to know why DCFS has not been transparent about its prior involvement with the family.

Why it matters

This case has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Illinois' child welfare system and DCFS's handling of abuse allegations. The lack of transparency from the agency has fueled concerns that more could have been done to protect Markell. Lawmakers and child advocates argue that accountability and thorough reporting are crucial to preventing future tragedies like this.

The details

Markell Pierce's former daycare director, Carrie Pinskie, said she alerted DCFS about red flags she noticed in an April phone call. However, DCFS has not acknowledged this and has only stated that Markell's family was not receiving services from the agency when he died. Prosecutors say Markell showed signs of long-term abuse and malnourishment spanning almost two years before his death. Markell's mother, Dominique Servant, and her boyfriend, Joey Ruffin, have been charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment.

  • In April, Markell's former daycare director called DCFS to report concerns.
  • Markell Pierce was found dead in his Round Lake Beach home last week.

The players

Seth Lewis

An Illinois state senator who is pushing DCFS for answers and transparency following Markell Pierce's murder.

Heidi Mueller

The director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Dominique Servant

Markell Pierce's mother, who has been charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment in his death.

Joey Ruffin

Markell Pierce's mother's boyfriend, who has also been charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment in his death.

Carrie Pinskie

Markell Pierce's former daycare director, who says she alerted DCFS about concerns in April.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The safety net failed”

— Seth Lewis, Illinois State Senator (cbsnews.com)

“I was happy that DCFS was involved at that point”

— Carrie Pinskie, Markell Pierce's former daycare director (cbsnews.com)

“There's an immediate cloak of, 'We weren't involved, so we don't feel it's necessarily our issue to comment on'”

— Seth Lewis, Illinois State Senator (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Sen. Lewis is requesting a face-to-face meeting with DCFS Director Heidi Mueller to get specifics on the agency's prior involvement in Markell's case. Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert has also filed a request for an audit with the Illinois Auditor General.

The takeaway

This tragic case has exposed significant gaps and lack of transparency in Illinois' child welfare system. Lawmakers and advocates are demanding accountability from DCFS to understand what warning signs were missed and why more was not done to protect Markell Pierce before his death.