Pregnant Woman Murdered in Downers Grove Facebook Marketplace Exchange

Horrifying details emerge about the brutal stabbing and arson attack that killed Eliza Morales and her unborn child.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Prosecutors say a 19-year-old man named Nedas Revuckas has been charged with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and animal cruelty in connection with the killing of 30-year-old Eliza Morales. Authorities believe the incident began as a Facebook Marketplace exchange for a truck that turned deadly, with Revuckas allegedly stabbing Morales over 70 times and then setting her apartment on fire.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the risks that can arise from online marketplace transactions, especially when meeting strangers in person. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of violence, the vulnerability of pregnant women, and the need for improved safety measures in these types of exchanges.

The details

According to prosecutors, the situation began when Morales' husband listed a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck on Facebook Marketplace. Revuckas responded and picked up the truck over the weekend. On Monday, Revuckas was scheduled to return to exchange the license plates and bill of sale. Surveillance video shows Morales meeting Revuckas at her building, handing him a screwdriver, and then a struggle ensuing before smoke is seen coming from her apartment. Police later found Morales with over 70 stab wounds and her apartment on fire. Revuckas allegedly confessed to the murder and arson, saying he was upset about the condition of the truck.

  • On the weekend prior to the incident, Morales' husband listed a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck on Facebook Marketplace.
  • On Monday, January 27, 2026, Revuckas was scheduled to return to Morales' apartment building to exchange the license plates and bill of sale for the truck.
  • Around 5:30 PM on Monday, January 27, 2026, surveillance video shows Morales meeting Revuckas at her apartment building.
  • Around 5:47 PM on Monday, January 27, 2026, the video shows the door to Morales' unit opening and closing, with what appears to be a struggle between Morales and Revuckas.
  • Around 6:09 PM on Monday, January 27, 2026, police and firefighters responded to reports of a kitchen fire at Morales' apartment building.

The players

Nedas Revuckas

A 19-year-old man from Westmont, Illinois who has been charged with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and animal cruelty in connection with the killing of Eliza Morales.

Eliza Morales

A 30-year-old pregnant woman who was brutally stabbed and murdered in her Downers Grove apartment during what authorities believe was a Facebook Marketplace exchange gone wrong.

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What’s next

Revuckas is expected to return to court on Thursday morning for a continuation of his detention hearing, where the judge will decide whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for increased safety measures and precautions when conducting online marketplace transactions, especially when meeting strangers in person. It also highlights the vulnerability of pregnant women and the devastating impact of violence on families and communities.