Pre-trial release denied for Westmont man accused in fatal stabbing in Downers Grove
A DuPage County judge has denied pre-trial release for Nedas Revuckas, a 19-year-old Westmont resident accused of murdering Eliza Morales, a pregnant woman from Downers Grove. The decision was announced by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries.
Revuckas faces three counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Arson, and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. He appeared in court following his arrest on January 27.
According to authorities, the incident began when Eliza’s husband listed a truck for sale online. Revuckas purchased the vehicle on January 24 and returned to the Morales’ apartment two days later to complete paperwork. It is alleged that after meeting with Eliza Morales in her building's vestibule on January 26, Revuckas entered her apartment and became upset about the condition of the truck. Authorities allege he then stabbed Morales seventy times, mostly in the head and neck area. During the altercation, Morales reportedly told Revuckas she was pregnant.
The family dog was also stabbed but survived and is receiving veterinary care. Investigators allege that Revuckas set fires in both the kitchen and at the front door using household chemicals as accelerants before fleeing with Morales’ phone.
Firefighters responded to an alarm at approximately 6:09 p.m., finding Morales deceased near her apartment door. Revuckas was taken into custody without incident late on January 27.
State’s Attorney Berlin said, “Eliza’s surviving family and friends have suffered a horrific loss and to them I offer my sincerest condolences and wish them strength as they continue their lives without the love and support once provided by Eliza.” He added, “What makes this case particularly troubling is the unconscionable level of violence allegedly displayed by Mr. Revuckas. In DuPage County, public safety is our top priority. The overwhelming response from all the agencies involved in this tragic incident is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of law enforcement throughout DuPage County. It is because of their efforts, the defendant was taken into custody and charged with the murder of Eliza Morales and her unborn child. I commend the Downers Grove Police and Fire Departments, DuPage MERIT and the numerous assisting agencies for their truly outstanding efforts on this very sad case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Helen Kapas and Alyssa Rabulinski for their extended efforts the past few days that resulted in charges against this defendant.”
Chief DeVries stated, “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Eliza Morales, whose death is deeply tragic and a loss for the entire Downers Grove community and beyond. This arrest reflects the tireless effort and dedication of our officers and detectives who worked diligently to identify and apprehend the offender. I thank the Downers Grove Fire Department and other responding agencies for their efforts to save the victim under extremely difficult conditions, along with the DuPage County MERIT Task Force, State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, and Assistant State’s Attorneys Helen Kapas and Alyssa Rabulinski for their assistance with this case. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this incident.”
Revuckas' next court appearance is scheduled for February 18 before Judge Brian Telander.
Authorities remind residents that these are only charges at this stage; Revuckas remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
In related information about local education statistics from recent years: DuPage County schools had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 during 2022-23 across more than 140 thousand students (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx). Teacher absenteeism stood at just over 38 percent during that same period (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx).