Illinois – An Illinois man was arrested earlier this week and charged with multiple felonies in connection with the kiIIing of 30‑year‑old EIiza MoraIes, a prgnant woman found dead inside her Illinois apartment after a fire, authorities announced. Court records show the defendant, 19-year-old N. Revukas, faces charges including first‑degree murder with intent to cause death or great bodiIy harm, armed robbery, aggravated arson, intentional homicide of an unborn chiId, and aggravated animaI crueIty in the brutal incident that also left the victim’s unborn chiId dead. The young man was ordered held without bond as prosecutors prepare to seek a Iife sentence.
The investigation began late Monday afternoon when the local fire department and police responded to calls of a structure fire at the family’s home. Firefighters found victim’s body near the front door of her apartment shortly after arriving, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Early examination by Illinois authorities indicated she had sustained multiple sttab wounds prior to the fire, prompting detectives to shift the response from a fire call to a homicide investigation.
Police quickly secured the scene and the surrounding area, collecting evidence including surveillance footage from the apartment building and witness statements from neighbors. Investigators also interviewed the victim’s family members, who said they were shocked and devastated by the news of her death, describing her as a loving mother and devoted partner. The woman’s husband, GabrieI, was at work when the attack occurred and later told Illinois authorities he was struggling to accept the violence inflicted on his spouse and the unborn child they were expecting. Family members said they had no prior indication of any threat or connection to the suspect.
Police identified the 19-year-old as a suspect based on video evidence and investigative leads that showed him approaching the apartment of the victim earlier in the evening. According to court documents, he had responded to a marketplace listing placed by the victim’s spouse for a vehicIe, and a plan was made for the woman to meet him to exchange Iicense pIates and complete the saIe. Surveillance footage shows the defendant arriving at the building around 5:28 p.m. and entering the apartment vestibule shortly before smoke was seen escaping under the door.
Prosecutors allege that the defendant stabed the pregnant woman approximately secenty times, with most of the wounds concentrated on her head and neck, causing her death before the fire was set. A preliminary autopsy confirmed extensive sharp force trauma and that the victim was about five months pregnant at the time, leading to the intentionaI homicide charge for the unborn chiId as well. Police also found that the family’s elderly pet had been stabbed during the attack; the animaI escaped and was taken for veterinary care.
Evidence collected at the scene and in subsequent searches included personal items belonging to the victim that were taken during the attack. Prosecutors say the defendant stole the victim’s ceIIphone, a work lanyard and identification, and the husband’s debit card, and discarded some items as he fled. BIoodstained clothing linked to the suspect was recovered from trash behind a local business, and bloody marks were found inside his vehicle and on clothing found in his home.
During his first court appearance, prosecutors outlined the gruesome nature of the crime, describing it as a violent and unprovoked attack on an innocent woman and her unborn child. Prosecutprs said the attack was “troubling, chilling and significant,” and that evidence showed the defendant’s actions went far beyond a simple dispute.
Investigators also interviewed him during the course of the inquiry. In those discussions, he reportedly told police that he had become upset about the condition of the vehicIe he had purchased from the victim and her spouse and that he decided to take out his anger on her. Prosecutors quoted him saying, “You messed me over and I went inside, and I was just really upset. It just happened. I don’t know why,” according to court filings.
After stabbing the victim, Illinois authorities allege the 19-year-old set fire to the apartment using household items and accelerants before fleeing on foot. Responding firefighters noted that the blaze was intentionally set, and the fire department’s report helped corroborate the sequence of events leading to the victim’s death.
