Downers Grove, Illinois, authorities arrested 19-year-old Nedas Revuckas after a violent stabbing that claimed the lives of 30-year-old Eliza Morales and her unborn child on Monday.
Morales, five months pregnant, was found dead in her apartment with multiple stab wounds, authorities confirmed. The attack shocked the local community, which described Morales as a devoted mother and a valued neighbor.
Court documents indicate the incident originated from a routine Facebook Marketplace transaction. Morales’ husband, Gabriel, had listed a 1994 Ford Ranger for sale on Jan. 24.
Revuckas responded that day and purchased the vehicle. Two days later, Gabriel arranged to return the license plates, prompting Revuckas to meet Morales at her apartment.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows him entering the building holding a tool before a violent struggle unfolded inside.
According to ABC7, authorities allege that Revuckas stabbed Morales approximately 70 times, with most wounds to her head and neck. During the attack, she revealed she was pregnant.
The suspect also attacked the family’s elderly pit bull, Zula, stabbing the dog between the eyes; Zula survived and is under veterinary care.
After the stabbing, Revuckas allegedly set the apartment on fire using household items and accelerants, creating multiple points of origin, including the kitchen stove and front door.
The fire prompted a rapid response from the Downers Grove Fire Department and nearby departments, who worked to contain the flames and evacuate residents.
Revuckas was taken into custody the same night at his Westmont residence without incident.
Police recovered blood-stained clothing, boots, and fragments of Morales’ cellphone. Investigators also discovered blood inside the truck he had purchased.
Revuckas reportedly admitted to the stabbing, arson, and discarding evidence, though he denied sexually assaulting Morales, FOX 32 reported.
The DuPage County Coroner’s preliminary report confirmed Morales’ death resulted from multiple sharp-force injuries, with fetal demise caused by her wounds.
Soot found in Morales’ airway indicated she was alive when the fire began.
Revuckas has been charged with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, aggravated arson, and aggravated cruelty to animals, according to DuPage County prosecutors.
A judge ordered him held without pretrial release, citing the brutality of the alleged attack and the risk he posed to the public.
Authorities said they are continuing to investigate a potential sexual assault, though no related charges have been filed.
The incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Downers Grove Police Department, the DuPage County MERIT Task Force, the DuPage County Arson Task Force, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal, highlighting the complexity of the investigation.
During a joint press conference, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Police Chief Michael DeVries praised the coordinated effort by multiple agencies in quickly apprehending Revuckas.
Judge Joshua Dieden denied pre-trial release, citing the severity of the alleged crimes. Revuckas’ next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 18 before Judge Brian Telander.
Family and neighbors remembered Morales as a devoted mother and a beloved member of the community.
Vigils were held in her honor, and a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her surviving two-year-old daughter.
Angelica Silva, Morales’ mother-in-law, called the attack “pure evil,” adding, “She did not deserve this. Pure evil. No one deserves anything like this.”
Authorities continue to collect evidence and urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Downers Grove Police Department.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in seemingly ordinary transactions and the devastating consequences that can arise from violent confrontations.
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