In a tragic turn of events, Downers Grove, Illinois became the scene of a brutal crime that led to the death of 30-year-old Eliza Morales and her unborn child. On Monday, local authorities arrested 19-year-old Nedas Revuckas in connection with the violent stabbing that took place in Morales' apartment.
According to the Downers Grove Police Department, Morales, who was five months pregnant, suffered multiple stab wounds in an attack that has stunned the community. Known as a devoted mother and a valued neighbor, the loss of Morales has left residents in mourning.
"She did not deserve this. Pure evil. No one deserves anything like this." - Angelica Silva, Morales' mother-in-law.
The incident began with a simple online transaction. Morales' husband, Gabriel, had listed a 1994 Ford Ranger for sale on Facebook Marketplace on January 24. Revuckas, who responded to the listing, purchased the vehicle on the same day. A subsequent arrangement to return the vehicle's license plates led Revuckas to Morales' apartment.
Surveillance video from the apartment complex captured Revuckas entering the building with a tool in hand. Inside, a violent confrontation ensued. As reported by ABC7, during the assault, Morales disclosed her pregnancy while being stabbed approximately 70 times, primarily in the head and neck area.
In a gruesome turn, authorities allege that in addition to attacking Morales, Revuckas also assaulted the family's elderly pit bull, Zula, inflicting a stab wound between the animal's eyes. Zula survived and is currently receiving medical care.
Following the attack, Revuckas purportedly set the apartment ablaze, using household items and accelerants to ignite multiple points of origin, including the kitchen stove and the front door. The resulting fire necessitated quick action by the Downers Grove Fire Department and other nearby units, who contained the flames and evacuated the building's occupants.
Police detained Revuckas at his Westmont residence that same evening without any complications. During the investigation, officers discovered blood-stained clothing, boots, and fragments of Morales' cellphone at his home. Blood was also found inside the truck Revuckas had purchased from Morales' husband.
Revuckas has confessed to the stabbing and arson, as well as to disposing of evidence, although he denies any sexual assault allegations, as reported by FOX 32. The DuPage County Coroner's preliminary report confirmed that Morales died from multiple sharp-force injuries and that her unborn child's demise was a direct result of her wounds. Evidence suggests Morales was alive at the onset of the fire, as soot was found in her airway.
The charges against Revuckas include first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, aggravated arson, and aggravated cruelty to animals, according to the DuPage County prosecutors. A judge has ordered him held without pretrial release due to the brutality of the crimes and potential risk to the public.
The case has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, demonstrating the complexity of the investigation. A joint press conference saw DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Police Chief Michael DeVries commend the swift, coordinated effort to apprehend the suspect.
In remembrance of Morales, family and neighbors have held vigils and started a GoFundMe campaign to support her surviving two-year-old daughter. Angelica Silva, Morales' mother-in-law, expressed her anguish, calling the attack "pure evil."
As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with the stark reality that even routine transactions can harbor hidden dangers and lead to devastating outcomes.
