ELIZA MORALES, a suburban Chicago community is mourning after a pregnant woman was found dead inside a burning apartment Monday evening, a case authorities are now investigating as a homicide.
Police and fire crews responded to a structure fire in the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue just before 6:10 p.m. Firefighters removed Morales from the apartment, but despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members identified the victim as Eliza Morales, a 30-year-old expectant mother.
Investigators said Morales suffered apparent sharp force trauma prior to the fire, leading authorities to classify the case as a homicide. Officials believe the fire may have been intentionally set or ignited during a violent encounter inside the apartment.
A Downers Grove resident is in custody and has been charged with murder, according to police. Authorities confirmed that a person of interest was detained shortly after the incident. Additional details regarding the suspect and formal charges are expected as the investigation continues.
A second individual was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. That person’s condition has not been publicly released.
Family members said Morales worked in payroll at a local children’s hospital. She was six months pregnant and is survived by her husband and a toddler daughter. Relatives stated that Morales may have been cooking dinner when someone knocked on her door, and during an alleged struggle, food may have been left on the stove, igniting the fire.
Several residents of the apartment building were displaced, and the structure has been boarded up as investigators continue to examine the scene. The DuPage County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Downers Grove Police Department, DuPage County MERIT Task Force, DuPage County Arson Task Force, and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Fire departments from Westmont, Lisle-Woodridge, Darien-Woodridge, Lombard, Naperville, and Bolingbrook also assisted.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Downers Grove Police Department at 630-434-5600.
As the investigation moves forward, the community continues to grieve the loss of Eliza Morales and the unborn child she was carrying, remembering her as a devoted mother whose life was tragically cut short.
