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Boy, 8, Found Dead; Mom, Boyfriend Charged
8 Feb
Summary
- Mother and boyfriend face murder charges in child's death.
- Victim showed signs of long-term neglect and abuse.
- A sibling also found to be malnourished and abused.

In Round Lake Beach, a mother and her boyfriend have been charged in connection with the homicide of her 8-year-old son. Dominique Servant, 33, and Joey L. Ruffin, 38, face charges including first-degree murder and child endangerment.
Authorities responded on February 6 to a residence where they found the unresponsive child. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at a hospital. First responders noted the child's malnourished appearance and bruising.
Further investigation uncovered evidence of long-term neglect, physical, and mental abuse. The victim's 10-year-old sibling was also found to exhibit signs of abuse and malnourishment and is in care. Autopsy results for the younger child are pending, but preliminary findings align with the investigation's discoveries. Ruffin and Servant are due in court soon, with prosecutors seeking their detention.




