A Pregnant Mother Was Stabbed to Death Before a West Suburban Fire
A horrific crime has devastated a family in Downers Grove, Illinois. A pregnant mother was stabbed to death before a west suburban fire broke out in her apartment on Monday evening. Authorities identified the victim as 30-year-old Eliza Morales. Following a rapid investigation, police arrested 19-year-old Nedas Revuckas. Prosecutors charged the Westmont teenager on Tuesday with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, and aggravated arson. The brutal nature of the attack, which also involved an assault on the family dog, has shaken the quiet suburban community.
Firefighters Make Grim Discovery on Ogden Avenue
The incident began as a call for help regarding a structure fire. Firefighters from the Downers Grove Fire Department responded to the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue just after 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. Smoke was pouring from an apartment unit in the complex.
Emergency crews entered the building to suppress the flames and search for occupants. They expected a standard rescue operation. However, the situation quickly turned into a crime scene investigation.
Inside the burning unit, firefighters found Eliza Morales unresponsive. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the fire did not cause her condition. Authorities noted that Morales suffered from “apparent sharp force trauma.”
Paramedics attempted life-saving measures immediately. Despite their frantic efforts, the injuries proved too severe. Officials pronounced Morales dead at the scene.
The fire itself appeared suspicious from the start. Family members later told reporters that the attacker likely left food on the stove to ignite the blaze. This act seemingly served as an attempt to destroy evidence and cover up the fact that the pregnant mother was stabbed.
Suspect Charged with Murder and Arson
Police investigators moved quickly to identify a suspect. On Tuesday evening, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office announced a long list of charges against Nedas Revuckas. The 19-year-old now faces significant legal jeopardy.
Prosecutors filed three counts of first-degree murder against him. These charges address the violent death of Eliza Morales. Additionally, Revuckas faces one count of aggravated arson. Authorities allege he intentionally set the fire that damaged the apartment building and endangered other residents.
The suspect also faces a charge of armed robbery. Police accuse him of stealing Morales’s cellphone and work identification badge after the attack. These stolen items may serve as critical evidence linking him to the crime scene.
Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Morales was an expectant mother. She was approximately six months pregnant at the time of her death.
Illinois law provides specific protections for the unborn in cases of violent crime. Consequently, prosecutors charged Revuckas with one count of intentional homicide of an unborn child. This serious felony charge carries severe sentencing guidelines.
The loss of two lives in a single, violent event has deeply impacted the Morales family. They are now arranging funerals for both Eliza and the baby she was preparing to welcome.
Cruelty to Animals and Other Victims
The violence inside the apartment extended to the family pet. Responding officers discovered a dog inside the residence that had also sustained injuries.
Prosecutors charged Revuckas with one count of aggravated cruelty to an animal. Investigators allege that he stabbed the dog in the face during the assault. The current condition of the animal has not been released, but the charge highlights the chaotic brutality of the event.
The fire also affected neighbors living in the same complex. Smoke spread quickly through the building on Monday night. A second person in the building required medical attention.
Ambulance crews transported this individual to a local hospital. Doctors treated the patient for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, medical staff expect this second victim to survive.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
Solving this case required coordination between multiple agencies. The Downers Grove Police Department led the homicide inquiry. However, the arson component required specialized expertise.
The DuPage County Arson Task Force deployed to the scene. These investigators analyze burn patterns to determine exactly how a fire started. Their findings likely supported the arson charges against the suspect.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal also assisted. Their involvement ensures that all forensic evidence related to the blaze is documented correctly.
Police cordoned off the apartment complex on Ogden Avenue throughout Tuesday. Technicians searched the area for the weapon used in the stabbing. They also looked for the items allegedly stolen by Revuckas.
A Community in Shock
Downers Grove is known as a safe, quiet suburb west of Chicago. Violent crime of this magnitude rarely occurs in the area. The news that a pregnant mother was stabbed inside her own home has left residents on edge.
Neighbors watched in disbelief as police activity intensified on Monday night. Many residents had to evacuate their homes due to the fire alarm. Learning the true nature of the incident has traumatized the neighborhood.
Domestic violence advocates often point to the vulnerability of women in their own homes. While police have not fully detailed the relationship between the suspect and the victim, the violence was personal and targeted.
Safety in residential complexes is now a major topic of conversation in the village. Residents want to know how the suspect gained access to the apartment.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Nedas Revuckas remains in police custody. He faces a detention hearing in DuPage County court soon. Under Illinois law, a judge will decide if he remains detained pending trial.
Given the severity of the charges, prosecutors will likely argue that he poses a significant threat to the community. The combination of murder, arson, and feticide charges often leads to denial of release.
The investigation is far from over. Detectives continue to build their case. They need to establish a precise timeline of the suspect’s movements on Monday evening.
Authorities are asking the public for assistance. Anyone who saw anything suspicious around the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue should come forward. Witness accounts regarding the fire or the suspect could prove vital in court.
The Downers Grove Police Department maintains a tip line. Individuals with information can contact investigators at 630-434-5600.
wfbnews.com will monitor the court hearings. We will provide updates on the legal proceedings and any new details regarding the motive behind this tragedy.
