Coroner: Round Lake Beach boy suffered bruising, malnourishment before death

An 8-year-old Round Lake Beach boy suffered injuries and malnourishment before his death Friday, but his formal cause of death is pending further laboratory and forensic testing, the Lake County Coroner's Office reported Monday.

The boy, identified as Markell Pierce, was pronounced dead Friday in the emergency room at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

His mother, Dominique Servant, 33, and her boyfriend, Joey L. Ruffin, 38, each face two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment causing death. They are in custody pending a detention hearing Monday afternoon.

First responders were called to the home on the 1900 block of Cedar Lake Road about 2:05 p.m. Friday, according to Chris Covelli, spokesperson for the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.

Investigators found evidence the child had been subject to long-term neglect, physical abuse and mental abuse, Covelli said in a news release Saturday.

A 10-year old sibling was admitted to a hospital due to signs of abuse and malnourishment, according to Covelli. A 3-year old sibling was placed in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

In an initial court proceeding Sunday, prosecutors said the boy was placed on a liquid diet and the last time he was given food was on or about Wednesday. The boy also was made to hold weights above his head as punishment, authorities allege.

“No child should suffer at the hands of those entrusted with their care,” Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said in a news release Monday. “We are reminded of our shared responsibility to look out for the most vulnerable among us.”

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement Saturday the child should still be alive and that the horrific crime was preventable.