DOWNERS GROVE ILLINOIS, A Facebook Marketplace meetup in Illinois turned deadly after a pregnant woman was stabbed up to 70 times at her Chicago-area home before the suspect allegedly set the apartment on fire.
Nedas Revuckas, 19, was arrested and appeared in court Thursday, facing first-degree murder and multiple felony charges in the death of 30-year-old Eliza Morales, a mother-to-be, at her suburban Downers Grove apartment on Monday evening.
Prosecutors allege Revuckas acted with intent to kill or cause great bodily harm, and that the killing occurred during the commission of a forcible felony.
Leading up to the attack, Revuckas reportedly responded to a Facebook Marketplace listing for a dark red 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck that Morales’ husband had posted for sale.
Authorities said Revuckas met Morales at the building around 5:30 p.m. Surveillance footage showed her handing him a screwdriver so he could remove the vehicle’s license plates.
Moments later, prosecutors allege Revuckas entered the building holding the screwdriver, and video showed the door to the Morales unit opening and closing during what appeared to be a struggle.
Police and firefighters responded to a fire at the apartment around 6:09 p.m., where they found Morales dead with severe stab wounds. She was five months pregnant, and her unborn child also died.
Investigators later located the pickup truck at Revuckas’ home in Westmont. Police also found bloody clothing, and authorities say Revuckas eventually confessed to killing Morales.
Prosecutors stated that Revuckas admitted becoming upset about the vehicle he had purchased, allegedly saying he was angry about being sold a “broken car.”
Authorities also allege he started the kitchen fire using items found inside the apartment.
Morales’ husband, Gabriel, was working when he received the devastating news.
“I’m gonna spend the rest of my life missing her,” he told reporters, adding that he would remain strong for their young daughter.
Loved ones gathered for a vigil Wednesday evening to honor Morales, remembering her as a kind and loving person who did not deserve such a tragic end.
Revuckas is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and additional related offenses. He was ordered held without bail following Thursday’s court appearance.
