A disturbing and violent crime out of suburban Chicago has left a community shaken after prosecutors say a Facebook Marketplace meetup turned deadly, according to NBC Chicago.
Authorities allege a 19-year-old Illinois teen stabbed a pregnant woman dozens of times, attacked her dog, and set her apartment on fire during what was supposed to be a routine Marketplace exchange in Downers Grove.
The victim, 30-year-old Eliza Morales, was about five months pregnant at the time of the attack. Prosecutors say Morales agreed to meet the suspect at her apartment in connection to a vehicle listed for sale online. Once inside, the situation allegedly escalated into extreme violence.
Court documents state Morales was stabbed approximately 70 times, primarily in the head and neck. She later died from her injuries. Her unborn child also did not survive. Authorities further allege the suspect stabbed the family’s dog during the attack.
After the assault, prosecutors say the teen set the apartment on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. Firefighters responding to the blaze found Morales unresponsive inside the unit.
The suspect, identified as Nedas Revuckas of Westmont, was later arrested and charged with multiple serious felonies, including:
– FIRST-DEGREE MURDER
– INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE OF AN UNBORN CHILD
– AGGRAVATED ARSON
– ARMED ROBBERY
– ANIMAL CRUELTY
A judge ordered Revuckas held without bail following a detention hearing, citing the brutality of the crime and the danger posed to the public.
The killing has sparked renewed conversations around online marketplace safety, with law enforcement urging people to meet buyers and sellers in public spaces, police station exchange zones, or bring another person along.
Family members described Morales as a loving mother and kind person. Support efforts and fundraisers have been organized to help care for her surviving child as the investigation continues.
This case remains under active investigation.
