Coroner IDs 8-year-old boy in Round Lake Beach death investigation

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. - A Lake County coroner has identified an 8-year-old boy who died after being found unresponsive inside a Round Lake Beach home, as investigators continue probing what authorities describe as suspicious circumstances.

What we know:

First responders were called to a residence in the 1900 block of Cedar Lake Road around 2:05 p.m. Friday for a report of an unresponsive child. Officers arrived first and began CPR before paramedics transported the boy to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the child as Markell Pierce, 8, of Round Lake Beach. First responders reported that the boy appeared malnourished and had bruising on his body, prompting police to request assistance from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.

An autopsy was conducted Friday at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. While evidence of injuries and malnourishment was observed, Coroner Jennifer Banek said preliminary findings remain pending additional laboratory and forensic testing.

What they're saying:

"The loss of Markell Pierce is devastating," Coroner Jennifer Banek said in a statement. "No child should suffer at the hands of those entrusted with their care. We are reminded of our shared responsibility to look out for the most vulnerable among us.

Police previously announced that the boy’s mother, Dominique Servant, 33, and her boyfriend, Joey L. Ruffin, 38, were arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child endangerment causing death. Investigators say evidence inside the home indicated long-term physical, mental and nutritional abuse.

Authorities also said a 10-year-old sibling was taken to a hospital after showing signs of abuse and malnourishment.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials await final autopsy results.