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  "path": "/crime/2026/02/07/lake-county-mother-boyfriend-charged-in-death-of-8-year-old-boy",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-08T03:08:48.369Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>A Lake County couple has been charged with murder and child endangerment after an 8-year-old boy found in their home Friday died.</p><p>Round Lake Beach police were called for an unresponsive child about 2 p.m. to their home in the 1900 block of Cedar Lake Road, police said.</p><p>They found the boy and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. The boy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.</p><p>Preliminary autopsy findings indicated the boy suffered from malnourishment and physical abuse, police said.</p><p>The boy’s 10-year-old brother was hospitalized after speaking with the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center, which determined he also showed signs of abuse and malnourishment. Their step-sibling, a 3-year-old boy, also lived at the home and was placed in the care of the state Department of Children and Family Services, police said.</p><p>The children’s mother, Dominique Servant, 33, and her boyfriend, Joey Ruffin, 38, were taken into custody Friday night, police said. Both are charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment causing death.</p><p>Authorities are attempting to contact the children's biological father, police said.</p><p>Servant and Ruffin are due in court Sunday morning.</p>",
  "title": "Lake County mother, boyfriend charged in death of 8-year-old boy",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-08T03:08:48.369Z"
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