Chicago man charged with killing 88-year-old mother, hiding body in basement

Prosecutors say the suspect is the victim's son and had been living with her at the South Side home.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a folding knife with suspected blood on it, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifiable elements.A key piece of physical evidence recovered by investigators sheds light on the violent nature of this alleged crime.Chicago Today

A 66-year-old Chicago man has been charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death in the killing of his 88-year-old mother, Daniest Graves. Prosecutors say Kevan Works hid Graves' body in the basement of their South Side home after a violent attack last month.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about elder abuse and violence within families, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating missing persons cases and deaths that occur behind closed doors.

The details

According to court documents, Graves' body was found in the basement, hidden in a room blocked by a large bookcase. Police said she was rolled up in a large rug, partially wrapped in black garbage bags and secured with duct tape. An autopsy found Graves suffered 17 blunt force injuries, including a large, open wound to the top of her head that exposed her skull. She also had defensive wounds and cuts to her forearm and thumb.

  • Graves was last seen on March 26 when she went shopping with her sister.
  • Family members became concerned the next day when Graves did not send her usual early morning prayer text and failed to show up for work.
  • On March 29, Graves' sister went to check on her at the home, but Works prevented her from entering and said Graves was not home.
  • On April 7, police executed a search warrant and located Graves' body in the basement.
  • Works was arrested on Tuesday, April 10.

The players

Kevan Works

A 66-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death in the killing of his 88-year-old mother, Daniest Graves.

Daniest Graves

An 88-year-old woman who was killed in her South Side Chicago home. Prosecutors say her son, Kevan Works, hid her body in the basement after a violent attack.

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What’s next

Works is scheduled for a status hearing on April 29. Prosecutors say he has a lengthy criminal history dating back decades, including a 2007 federal conviction for bank robbery and a prior conviction for first-degree murder as a juvenile in 1976.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of vigilance and support for vulnerable elderly individuals, as well as the need for continued efforts to address domestic violence and strengthen protections for seniors within families.