Chicago Man Charged in Death of Missing 88-Year-Old Woman

Kevan Works faces first-degree murder and concealment of death charges in the killing of Daniest Graves.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:04pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of paper or broken jewelry, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty nature of a criminal investigation.The harsh flash of a police investigation illuminates a crucial piece of evidence in the tragic death of an elderly Chicago woman.Chicago Today

A 66-year-old Chicago man named Kevan Works has been charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death in connection with the death of 88-year-old Daniest Graves, who had been reported missing on March 27 and was later found dead on April 7 on the city's South Side. Police have not released details on how Graves died, but say she suffered multiple injuries from an assault.

Why it matters

The death of Daniest Graves, an elderly woman with health issues, has shocked the South Side community and raised concerns about public safety, especially for vulnerable residents. The charges against Kevan Works come after an intensive investigation and will likely lead to further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding Graves' disappearance and death.

The details

According to police, Kevan Works, 66, was arrested on Tuesday morning in the same area where Graves' body was discovered on April 7. The medical examiner's office has ruled Graves' death a homicide, stating that she suffered multiple injuries from an assault. Works has been charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death. Graves had been reported missing on March 27, with authorities noting she suffered from several health conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and circulation issues. She was last seen driving a gray 2021 Ford EcoSport.

  • Daniest Graves was last seen on March 27.
  • Graves' body was discovered on April 7.
  • Kevan Works was arrested on Tuesday morning.

The players

Kevan Works

A 66-year-old Chicago man who has been charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death in the killing of Daniest Graves.

Daniest Graves

An 88-year-old woman who was reported missing on March 27 and later found dead on April 7, with her death ruled a homicide.

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What’s next

Works is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Friday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Daniest Graves has raised concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of elderly residents in the South Side community. The charges against Kevan Works are a step towards seeking justice, but the investigation is ongoing, and more details are needed to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident.