Man Charged After Pregnant Woman Fatally Stabbed at Downers Grove Meetup

Pregnant woman killed during arranged vehicle meetup in Downers Grove

On a Monday in Downers Grove, Illinois, 30-year-old Eliza Morales was found dead from multiple stab wounds inside her burning apartment following a planned meeting connected to a Facebook Marketplace vehicle sale. Authorities reported that first responders reached the apartment at 6:09 p.m. and discovered Morales deceased with approximately 70 stab wounds to her head and neck, according to an autopsy cited by prosecutors.

Suspect identified and prior vehicle transaction detailed

Downers Grove Police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Nedas Revuckas of Westmont, Illinois. Prosecutors stated that Morales’s husband had listed their dark red 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck for sale on Facebook Marketplace over a weekend. Revuckas responded to the listing that same day and picked up the vehicle. Authorities said that Revuckas later arranged to meet again on Monday to exchange license plates and the bill of sale for the truck at the victim’s apartment building in Downers Grove.

Surveillance video shows sequence of events

According to details provided in court and cited by prosecutors, surveillance video from the victim’s building captured Revuckas arriving for the meeting at around 5:30 p.m. During their interaction, the video reportedly shows Morales handing him a screwdriver. Minutes later, the suspect is seen moving toward Morales’s apartment holding the screwdriver. At approximately 5:47 p.m., the door to her unit is seen opening and closing.

The footage then shows Morales appearing to struggle with the suspect before the apartment door slams. The door handle is later seen turning from the inside, as if someone is attempting to open the door. Approximately ten minutes after the apparent struggle, smoke is seen rising from the apartment unit.

Fire, injured dog, and emergency response

Following the appearance of smoke, a fire was reported at Morales’s Downers Grove apartment. First responders arrived at 6:09 p.m. and located Morales deceased inside with extensive stab injuries. Reports also stated that Morales’s elderly pit bull mix escaped the apartment through a sliding door during the fire. The dog was found stabbed between the eyes and was taken to an animal hospital.

Investigation, confession, and stated motive

Law enforcement launched an investigation and later located Revuckas at a home where he was staying with his girlfriend after officers noticed the 1994 Ford Ranger in the driveway. During an initial interview, Revuckas admitted to being at Morales’s apartment but claimed he had left through the main doors. Police said that after investigators discovered bloody clothing inside the residence, Revuckas confessed to murdering Eliza Morales and admitted to starting the fire in the apartment.

In court, a proffer presented by prosecutors stated that the defendant indicated he stabbed the victim 10 times. Prosecutors reported that Revuckas said he was upset about the condition of the 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck he had purchased and decided to take out his frustration on Morales. Prosecutors further stated that, according to the defendant’s account, he and Morales got into a fight during which she mentioned that she was pregnant.

Victim’s family and child

Reports identified Morales as the mother of a two-year-old child, who was not present at the time of the incident. A fundraising campaign was launched to support her family, with a stated goal of raising $40,000 and more than $30,000 reported as raised. The campaign organizers expressed gratitude for donations, messages, and support for the family.

Charges filed and detention

Police reported that Nedas Revuckas was arrested and charged with multiple offenses. The listed charges include: First Degree Murder – Intent to Cause Death or Great Bodily Harm; First Degree Murder – Forcible Felony: Armed Robbery; First Degree Murder – Forcible Felony: Aggravated Arson; Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child; and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Authorities stated that Revuckas was taken to the DuPage County Jail, where he is being held.