Over the weekend, first responders in Round Lake Beach responded to a call for an unresponsive child. After lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, the first responders reported signs of abuse that led law enforcement to charge the boy’s mother and her boyfriend with murder and child endangerment charges.
State Representative Tom Weber, who has been advocating for reforms at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for years, issued the follow statement in response to the tragic death:
“Like all of you, I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of this young boy. It’s hard to find the words when something so shocking happens to a child.
“I spoke with officials from DCFS this morning, who indicated there had been three prior contacts with this family, but nothing since last year, which raises concerns. Much more needs to be learned, but no child should be subject to the abuse described by law enforcement.
“We must do better at protecting our children!”
Below is the press release issued by the Round Lake Beach Police and Lake County Major Crime Task Force on February 7 regarding the ongoing investigation and charges:
Lake County Major Crime Task Force – Media Release
Prepared by: Christopher Covelli, LCMCTF Spokesman
Round Lake Beach Child Homicide Investigation
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force and Round Lake Beach Police Department are investigating the homicide of an 8-year-old boy.
On February 6, 2026, at approximately 2:05 p.m., Round Lake Beach Police and the Greater Round Lake Fire Department were dispatched to a residence in the 1900 block of Cedar Lake Road, Round Lake Beach, for a report of an unresponsive child at a residence.
Round Lake Beach Police Officers arrived and immediately initiated CPR. Paramedics took over life-saving efforts and transported the child to an area hospital, where the child was unfortunately pronounced deceased. First responders noticed the child appeared malnourished and had bruising on his body. Based on the suspicious injuries and circumstances, Round Lake Beach Police requested the assistance of the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
During the investigation, Task Force Investigators and Round Lake Beach Detectives found evidence that the child had been subject to long-term neglect, physical abuse, and mental abuse. The victim’s mother and her boyfriend were taken into custody last night. A ten-year old sibling of the victim was interviewed at the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center and subsequently admitted to a hospital due to signs of abuse and malnourishment.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office took possession of the victim and conducted an autopsy last night. While the autopsy results are not yet finalized, preliminary findings indicate signs consistent with long-term malnourishment and physical abuse, consistent with the evidence uncovered by investigators at the scene.
While the investigation remains ongoing, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges:
- Joey L. Ruffin, 38 (boyfriend of victim’s mother)
- Two Counts of First-Degree Murder
- One Count of Child Endangerment Causing Death
- Dominique Servant, 33 (victim’s mother)
- Two Counts of First-Degree Murder
- One Count of Child Endangerment Causing Death
Both Ruffin and Servant are due in court tomorrow morning. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain Ruffin and Servant in custody while awaiting trial.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.