A Westmont man, Nedas Revuckas, 19, faces severe charges in the grim murder case of a pregnant Downers Grove woman, Eliza Morales. The DuPage County State's Attorney, Robert Berlin, and Downers Grove Chief of Police, Michael DeVries, confirmed that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied Revuckas' pre-trial release. According to an official statement from DuPage County, the accused is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, among other felonies.
On Monday, an altercation allegedly erupted between Revuckas and Morales over a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck that Morales and her husband, Gabriel, had sold to Revuckas just days prior. After the initial transaction over Facebook Marketplace on January 24, Revuckas later returned to the couple’s residence for the license plates and a bill of sale, where the conflict is said to have turned deadly, DuPage County reports. The Downers Grove Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at Morales' building, only to discover her deceased near her apartment door.
It is alleged that during the altercation, Revuckas inflicted a staggering seventy stab wounds on Morales, focusing on the head and neck areas, as per the statement. Details from the investigation suggest Morales informed Revuckas of her pregnancy during the attack. Revuckas also stands accused of aggravated arson, having supposedly ignited a fire in the kitchen and at the front door in an attempt to cover his tracks.
"To them I offer my sincerest condolences and wish them strength as they continue their lives without the love and support once provided by Eliza," State's Attorney Berlin stated, reflecting on the heinous nature of this case. Devries added, "Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this incident," acknowledging the loss experienced by Morales' family and the Downers Grove community, while praising the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and other agencies. Revuckas, who is currently in custody, will have his next court appearance on February 18, before Judge Brian Telander, as detailed by DuPage County. The public is reminded that the charges presented are only allegations and that Revuckas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
