Overview: Nedas Revuckas, 19, is hospitalized after causing self-inflicted injuries the same day a judge denied him pretrial release in the case accusing him of killing 30-year-old Eliza Morales. Morales, five months pregnant and mother to a 2-year-old, was allegedly stabbed about 70 times in her Downers Grove apartment after a meeting tied to a Facebook Marketplace truck sale. Police say surveillance footage and a subsequent apartment fire are part of the investigation; Revuckas faces multiple charges, including First-Degree Murder and Homicide of an Unborn Child.
19-Year-Old Hospitalized After Self-Inflicted Injuries the Same Day He Was Denied Pretrial Release in Alleged Fatal Stabbing of Pregnant Woman
Nedas RevuckasDuPage County Sheriff's Office
DuPage County, Ill. — Nedas Revuckas, 19, who stands accused of fatally stabbing 30-year-old Eliza Morales—who was five months pregnant—has been hospitalized after suffering self-inflicted injuries, authorities said.
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office reported that Revuckas sustained the injuries on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 29, in his housing unit at the DuPage County Correctional Center. Correctional medical staff treated him at the facility before he was transferred to a local hospital; a preliminary investigation says he is in critical condition. Officials do not believe any other people were involved in the incident.
Eliza Moralesgofundme
Revuckas was arrested in connection with Morales’ death on Monday, Jan. 26, in Downers Grove, Illinois. Authorities allege Morales, a mother to a 2-year-old, was stabbed roughly 70 times in her family’s apartment. Investigators say the encounter began after Revuckas responded to a Facebook Marketplace listing for a pickup truck owned by Morales’ husband.
Surveillance footage reviewed by police reportedly shows Morales handing Revuckas a screwdriver to move the truck’s license plates. Officers say the video later shows him returning to the family’s apartment with the screwdriver concealed, and about 20 minutes after that smoke was seen coming from the apartment door. First responders extinguished a fire and discovered Morales deceased at the scene.
Eliza Moralesgofundme
Police allege Morales tried to stop Revuckas from entering and that during the struggle she told him she was pregnant; investigators say he continued to stab her repeatedly. Officials also say the family dog was harmed while trying to protect Morales.
Revuckas appeared in court on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and was formally charged with First-Degree Murder, Robbery, Arson, Homicide of an Unborn Child and Cruelty to Animals. He was denied pretrial release on Jan. 29, and the hospitalization occurred later that day.
Investigation and Next Steps
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Local media outlets and court records have reported on the charges and the timeline; prosecutors will proceed with the case while the defendant remains in medical care. PEOPLE and other outlets have requested comment from law enforcement.
Note: All allegations described here are based on statements from law enforcement and media reports; Revuckas is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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