Teenager Accused of Brutal Murder of Pregnant Mother Returns to Custody Following Suicide Attempt
The 19-year-old accused of fatally stabbing a pregnant mother more than 70 times in a horrific attack at her Illinois home is back behind bars after being released from hospital following an apparent suicide attempt, authorities have confirmed.
Alleged Attack Stemmed from Dispute Over Pickup Truck Sale
According to court documents reported by local news affiliate ABC7 Chicago, Nedas Revuckas of Westmont was allegedly upset about the condition of a pickup truck he wanted to purchase when he visited the Downers Grove apartment of 30-year-old Eliza 'Nicky' Morales on Monday, January 26.
The teenager had responded to an online advertisement for the vehicle posted by Morales' husband, Gabriel. Prosecutors state that Revuckas "decided to take out his frustration on Eliza" when dissatisfied with the truck's condition, leading to what investigators describe as a frenzied slaughter that also claimed the life of her unborn child.
Victim Fought for Her Life During Horrific Ordeal
Morales, who was home alone cooking dinner when her alleged attacker knocked on the door, reportedly tried to resist at the doorstep but was overpowered. Court documents reveal that during the altercation, Morales mentioned she was pregnant.
Following the stabbing, prosecutors allege Revuckas went on to stab the family's dog and set fire to the apartment using items from the kitchen before fleeing the scene.
"It was a horrific, violent crime committed," Morales' mother-in-law, Angelica Silva, told ABC7 Chicago at a candlelight vigil. "She fought for her life."
Suspect's Emotional State and Legal Proceedings
At a hearing last Thursday morning, a judge ordered Revuckas to remain in custody, stating he posed "a real threat" to the community. The teenager showed no emotion during the proceedings.
Hours later, the DuPage County Sheriff's Office reported Revuckas was in critical condition from apparently self-inflicted wounds. After being treated in hospital, he was released on Sunday and returned to the DuPage County Correctional Facility.
Revuckas now faces a raft of serious charges including:
- First-degree murder
- Armed robbery
- Arson
- Animal cruelty
He is due back in court on February 18 for further proceedings.
Community Mourns Vibrant Mother and Advocate
Eliza Morales, who was due to welcome her second daughter in March, worked at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and had a "lifelong commitment to helping those in need", according to an online obituary. She advocated for the rights of women and those affected by war, famine, and domestic violence.
"Everything she did was rooted in love," wrote Moses Morales on a GoFundMe page established to support the family. "She was motivated by family, driven by loyalty, and guided by a heart that was truly selfless."
The fundraiser, which had raised more than $150,000 as of Monday morning, will help cover essential expenses including temporary housing, clothing, and other necessities for Morales' husband Gabriel and their 2-year-old daughter.
Gabriel Morales, who was working when he received the devastating news about his wife and unborn child, told ABC7 Chicago he would "spend the rest of my life missing her" and would "try to live through her" for their daughter's sake.
Questions Raised About Online Marketplace Safety
The brutal killing has prompted questions about safety procedures for online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, where the pickup truck advertisement was posted. Meta, Facebook's parent company, did not immediately respond to queries about whether it would review its safety protocols following the incident.
Morales' family continue to grapple with their sudden loss, with Silva describing the attack as "pure evil" and explaining: "You get angry and then you get sad and then you get angry again and it's such a rollercoaster."
