Round Lake Beach Couple Pleads Not Guilty In Death Of 8-Year-Old Boy

A Round Lake Beach couple has entered not guilty pleas to murder charges filed in connection with the death of an 8-year-old boy.

Dominque Servant, 33, and her boyfriend, Joey Ruffin, 38, took part in a prolonged pattern of physical and mental abuse leveled against Servant's son, Markell Pierce, in a case that has been described by authorities as "particularly heinous," according to the Daily Herald. Both face first-degree murder charges in connection with the boy's death on Feb. 6.

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The boy's father called police on Feb. 6 to report his son had fallen and was injured at a home in the 1900 block of Cedar Lake Road in Round Lake Beach, Christopher Covelli, deputy chief for the Lake County Sheriff's Office, told Patch last month.

Police administered CPR before paramedics responded and took over life-saving measures, police said. The boy was brought to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

First responders noticed signs of bruising and malnourishment, according to authorities, and launched an investigation into the death. The investigation revealed what police believe to be long-term neglect and physical and mental abuse, police said.

During an initial court appearance on on Feb. 8, prosecutors said the boy was beaten with a belt and had not been given food for days before his death, according to the Daily Herald.

“There are no conditions which justify the release of the defendant prior to the detention hearing,” Lake County Judge James Simonian said.

Authorities also interviewed the boy's 10-year-old sibling at the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center. The sibling was then admitted to a hospital for signs of abuse and malnourishment, police said. A 3-year-old sibling, who also lived at the home, was placed in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Daily Herald is reporting.

An autopsy was conducted Friday night, and preliminary findings indicate signs of long-term malnourishment and abuse, police said. Final results are pending.

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