ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. (WLS) — On Monday, fresh insights may emerge surrounding the tragic death of an 8-year-old boy.
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His mother and her boyfriend now face charges of murder and child endangerment in connection with the boy’s demise.
Both suspects are scheduled for a court appearance where they will stand before a judge on Monday.
Round Lake Beach detectives report that the child suffered from prolonged neglect and physical abuse within the household.
Emergency responders discovered the boy unresponsive last week at his home in Round Lake Beach. They observed signs of malnutrition and noted bruises on his body.
According to the prosecutor, the child endured repeated beatings with a belt and was starved for several days before his death.
Officials say preliminary autopsy results confirm that he faced malnourishment, physical abuse.
Police say the boy’s 10-year-old sister was also taken to the hospital for signs of abuse.
The boy’s mother Dominique Servant, 33, and her boyfriend Joey L. Ruffin, 38, were both arrested and charged with first degree murder and child endangerment causing death.
“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. I share in that grief. In moments like this, we must come together, not apart,” Round Lake Beach Police Chief Ryan Rodriguez said on social media.
Ruffin and Servant are due in court on Monday morning.
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