Police in Illinois have alleged that a pregnant mother and her unborn child were killed Saturday, January 24, by a 19-year-old man who had recently bought a used truck from her husband.
The murder in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, according to investigators.
Authorities have identified the victim as Eliza Moraleswho was only 30 years old and five months pregnant.
Detectives have made an arrest Nedas Revuckas on six counts of murder for killing Morales and the baby she was carrying. He was also arrested for armed robbery, aggravated arson, intentional homicide of an unborn child and aggravated cruelty to animals.
Police said Revuckas cried after being taken into custody and confessed to the murder. A statement claims he even directed them to where he kept the bloody clothes.
Investigators argue in court documents shared with Us WeeklyRevuckas had bought a pickup truck from Morales’ husband through Facebook Marketplace on Saturday. He returned on Monday, January 26, to collect the receipt for the vehicle.
Instead, police alleged Revuckas told them he got into an argument with Morales over the condition of the truck before he attacked him with a knife. Authorities alleged he then set the couple’s apartment on fire.
The animal cruelty charge stems from Revuckas allegedly stabbing and beating the Morales family dog. The pit bull, which is said to have tried to defend the young mother, escaped the apartment fire and is said to be recovering from its injuries.
Revuckas is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea to the charges against him. He doesn’t have a lawyer yet.
His next court hearing is scheduled for February 18.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Eliza’s family after the terrible tragedy.
“Eliza leaves behind a devoted husband and a beautiful, beautiful two-year-old daughter,” according to the GoFundMe description. “He came into our lives with a kindness that felt effortless. He was the kind of person who would give a stranger the shirt off his back. His generosity was not an act, it was his nature.”
He continued that Eliza was a devoted mother who was “kind, patient and fiercely committed to her family”. He also noted “she worked hard, not for recognition, but because she believed in building a solid and loving foundation for her family. Everything she did was rooted in love. She was motivated by family, driven by loyalty, and guided by a truly selfless heart. Her loss is a pain that hides deep in all of us, but every moment, her presence, in every moment, is a lesson to us. It means giving without hesitation, to love unconditionally and to live sincerely”.
The victim’s family gathered for a vigil outside Morales’ home Thursday night. They remembered Morales as a loving mother to a 1 1/2-year-old daughter and someone who was always cooking and taking care of others.
“I know she’s a sweetheart and she didn’t deserve this, and it’s too painful, and honestly, you don’t expect this to happen,” said her cousin, Carolina Castro. speaking with CBS Chicago. “I’m just there for my uncle, his sisters, everybody.”



