DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – A 19-year-old has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, after allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman more than 70 times and setting her apartment ablaze. The incident, which unfolded in a suburb west of Chicago, stemmed from a dispute over a used truck listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Nedas Revuckas was arrested this week in connection with the death of Eliza Morales, a 30-year-old who was six months pregnant at the time. In addition to first-degree murder, Revuckas faces charges of intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and aggravated cruelty to animals.
Authorities received reports of a fire Monday evening at an apartment on Ogden Avenue. When responders arrived, they discovered Morales with multiple stab wounds. Efforts to save her life were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, her unborn child also did not survive.
Investigators suggest that the violent altercation originated from a financial transaction involving Morales and her husband, who were selling a pickup truck to Revuckas. Law enforcement indicated that the suspect had come to collect the bill of sale and return the truck’s license plates when the confrontation escalated.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured a struggle at the apartment’s entrance, where Morales attempted to block Revuckas. After forcing his way inside, he is accused of brutally assaulting her. In a further act of violence, he allegedly stabbed the family dog before igniting the kitchen with chemicals.
The injured dog managed to escape from the burning apartment and was later located and treated at a nearby animal hospital. At the time of the incident, Morales’ husband was at work, and their 1-year-old daughter was not in the home.
Family members described Morales as a dedicated employee in the payroll department at a local children’s hospital, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second daughter within months. The unexpected tragedy has left the community reeling, as friends and relatives mourn the loss of a promising life.
Law enforcement reported that Revuckas admitted to detectives that he committed the acts, citing frustration about the vehicle’s condition as a motive. This admission has led prosecutors to characterize his actions as a fatal overreaction.
While Revuckas is being held in custody, investigations continue into the details surrounding the case. The Downers Grove Police Department praised the prompt response of emergency teams and expressed concern for the affected community.
As the prosecution prepares its case, court proceedings for Revuckas are forthcoming. The harrowing nature of this incident has underscored the need for continued discussions about community safety and domestic violence awareness.