Man charged with murdering 88-year-old mother in Roseland

Kevan Works, 66, is scheduled to appear in court on charges that he murdered his mother Daniest Graves, 88.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:13am

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An extreme close-up of a tarnished metal lock, the harsh flash illuminating its textured surface against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of gritty investigation into a tragic crime.The discovery of an elderly victim's remains in her own home exposes the tragic consequences of unaddressed family violence.Chicago Today

Kevan Works, 66, is scheduled to appear in court on charges that he murdered his 88-year-old mother Daniest Graves, whose body was found wrapped in a sheet and rug in the basement of her Roseland home. Works had been living with his mother for the last few months, and relatives said he had a temper and a criminal record, though he had recently turned his life around.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic reality of elder abuse and family violence, as well as the challenges of supporting those with mental health and criminal histories who may pose a risk to vulnerable loved ones. It also raises questions about the need for better monitoring and intervention programs to protect the elderly.

The details

Police arrested Kevan Works, 66, at the scene after Daniest Graves' body was discovered in the basement of her Roseland home. Investigators said her body was found wrapped in a sheet and rug. Relatives said Works had been living with his mother for the last few months, and that while he had a criminal record, he had recently turned his life around and even written a book. However, they also noted that Works had a temper that they never expected he would use against his own mother.

  • Daniest Graves was initially reported missing nearly two weeks ago.
  • Her body was found on Tuesday in the basement of her home near 107th Street and Lafayette Avenue.

The players

Kevan Works

A 66-year-old man charged with the first-degree murder of his 88-year-old mother, Daniest Graves. He had been living with his mother for the last few months.

Daniest Graves

An 88-year-old woman who was found dead in the basement of her Roseland home. She was a churchgoing woman who loved helping people and had recently started a part-time job working with the community.

Michael Works

Kevan Works' brother, who said that while Kevan had a temper and a criminal record, he had recently turned his life around and was surprised that he would harm their mother.

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What they’re saying

“Kevin had a temper. Everybody knows he has a record. It's there. It exists. Kevin is in his 60s. Now, you know late 60s, so he did not. It was the last thing on my mind that he would lift a finger against our mother. The very last thing when I speak to my mother every day, she never, ever, ever mentioned that.”

— Michael Works, Kevan Works' brother

What’s next

Kevan Works is scheduled to appear in court on Friday to face charges of first-degree murder and concealing a death.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better monitoring and intervention programs to protect vulnerable elderly individuals, especially those with family members who have a history of mental health issues and criminal behavior. It also underscores the importance of open communication and awareness within families to identify and address potential risks before they escalate to violence.