8-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Denied Food, Beaten Before Fatal Collapse

Prosecutors say the child showed signs of long-term abuse and malnourishment

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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An 8-year-old boy in Illinois died after being found unresponsive by his mother, Dominique Servant, and her boyfriend, Joey Ruffin. Prosecutors have accused the couple of beating the boy with a belt and depriving him of food in the days leading up to his death on February 6th. An autopsy reportedly revealed evidence of bruising all over the boy's body and malnourishment.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse and neglect, and the devastating consequences that can result. It raises questions about the systems in place to protect vulnerable children and the need for greater awareness and intervention to prevent such horrific incidents.

The details

According to prosecutors, Servant told police that she had seen Ruffin punch her son the day before his death. She also said the boy had been on a liquid diet since February 4th. The autopsy allegedly showed evidence of bruising all over the boy's body and malnourishment. Authorities also said a 10-year-old girl living in the home was showing signs of abuse and malnourishment.

  • On February 6th, Servant and Ruffin found the boy unconscious and called 911 at 2 p.m.
  • Servant and Ruffin were arrested on February 10th and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment causing death.

The players

Dominique Servant

The 32-year-old mother of the 8-year-old boy who died.

Joey Ruffin

The 38-year-old boyfriend of Dominique Servant.

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What they’re saying

“There are simply no words that can fully capture the heartbreak we feel as parents, neighbors, friends, and as a police department. When a precious child is taken from us in such a way, it is natural to feel anger. It is natural to feel confusion. It is natural to ask why.”

— Ryan Rodriguez, Round Lake Police Chief (Facebook)

What’s next

Servant and Ruffin are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, where a judge will decide whether to allow them to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, intervention, and support to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. It serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when those entrusted with a child's care fail to fulfill that responsibility.