Round Lake Beach Couple Charged in 8-Year-Old's Death

Prosecutors say the mother and her boyfriend abused and starved the boy, who died on Feb. 6.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A Round Lake Beach couple has entered not guilty pleas to first-degree murder charges filed in connection with the death of an 8-year-old boy. Dominque Servant, 33, and her boyfriend Joey Ruffin, 38, are accused of a prolonged pattern of physical and mental abuse against Servant's son Markell Pierce, which authorities have described as "particularly heinous." The boy's father called police on Feb. 6 to report his son had fallen and was injured, but first responders found signs of bruising, malnourishment, and abuse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and neglect, and raises questions about the systems in place to protect vulnerable children from harm. The death of Markell Pierce has shaken the Round Lake Beach community and prompted renewed calls for stronger measures to prevent and address child abuse.

The details

According to authorities, Servant and Ruffin are accused of beating the 8-year-old boy with a belt and depriving him of food for days before his death on Feb. 6. Police were called to the home on Cedar Lake Road after the boy's father reported he had fallen and was injured, but first responders found signs of long-term neglect and abuse. The boy's 10-year-old sibling was also found to be abused and malnourished, and a 3-year-old sibling was placed in state care.

  • On February 6, the 8-year-old boy died at a hospital after police and paramedics responded to a call about him being injured.
  • On February 8, prosecutors said the boy was beaten with a belt and had not been given food for days before his death, during an initial court appearance.
  • On March 13, Dominque Servant, 33, and Joey Ruffin, 38, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

The players

Dominque Servant

A 33-year-old Round Lake Beach resident who is the mother of the 8-year-old victim and has been charged with first-degree murder.

Joey Ruffin

A 38-year-old Round Lake Beach resident who is the boyfriend of Dominque Servant and has also been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Servant's 8-year-old son.

Markell Pierce

The 8-year-old boy who died on February 6 and was the victim of alleged abuse and neglect by his mother and her boyfriend.

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What they’re saying

“There are no conditions which justify the release of the defendant prior to the detention hearing.”

— Judge James Simonian, Lake County Judge

What’s next

Dominque Servant is scheduled to return to court on April 27, while Joey Ruffin is due back on April 28. Both are being held in the Lake County jail while awaiting trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards and intervention measures to protect children from abuse and neglect. It has shaken the Round Lake Beach community and prompted renewed calls for reforms to the child welfare system to better identify and respond to signs of abuse before it escalates to such devastating consequences.