Overview
- Dominique Servant, 33, and Joey L. Ruffin, 38, are charged with two counts of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death and were ordered jailed pending trial.
- Prosecutors allege nearly two years of planned physical and mental abuse, including surveillance cameras in the children’s bedrooms, confinement, and cellphone recordings of assaults.
- Footage described in court allegedly shows the boy wrapped in a plastic sheet to relieve himself, being struck with a belt, and forced to hold an eight‑pound weight for an extended period.
- First responders noted malnourishment and bruising, a preliminary autopsy indicated long‑term malnourishment and abuse, and police enlisted the Lake County Major Crime Task Force as forensic testing continues.
- Daycare director Carrie Pinske says she warned DCFS in April 2025 and the children were withdrawn days later; DCFS says the family was not receiving services and has declined to confirm prior contacts.