Fox Lake couple charged with abusing 11-year-old boy

A Fox Lake couple faces felony charges following an investigation into allegations they abused an 11-year-old boy over multiple years.

Pricilla P. Marshall, 34, and Cody R. Marion, 35, each are charged with felony aggravated battery to a child and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and endangering the life or health of a child, authorities said Monday.

According to police, investigators determined the boy had been subjected to abuse by his mother, Marshall, and her boyfriend, identified as Marion, over several years. The boy had been struck with household objects, had dish soap poured into his mouth and ears, and was not permitted to attend school, police allege.

Police said their investigation began about 9:30 a.m. Friday, when officers responded to the area of Nippersink Boulevard and Grand Avenue for a report of a child found wearing only underwear and appearing to have been battered.

An employee at a local business reported seeing the boy with blood on his face and multiple welts, bruises, and scratches across his body, police said.

The boy was taken into protective custody and transported to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital for a medical evaluation, officials said.

Officers then went to the boy’s home where they spoke with Marshall, identified as the child’s mother, and placed her under arrest, police said.

Two other children, ages 1 and 2, were found in the home and appeared unharmed. They also were placed in protective custody, along with two other male siblings who were attending school at the time, police said.

The children later were placed into the temporary care of an extended family member, police said.

Marion was later arrested at the home. He is scheduled for a detention hearing Monday afternoon. Marshall is scheduled for a detention hearing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.