DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries announced today, Thursday, January 29, 2026 that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Westmont man accused of stabbing to death thirty-year-old Eliza Morales in her Downers Grove apartment. Nedas Revuckas, age 19, of the 1400 block of Spruce Street, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with …
three counts of First Degree Murder,
one count of Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child (Class X Felony),
one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony),
one count of Aggravated Arson (Class X Felony), and
one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class 4 Felony).
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Eliza’s husband, Gabriel listed a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Later that day, Revuckus went to the couple’s apartment in the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue and purchased the truck. On January 26, 2026, Gabriel made arrangements to meet Revuckas later that day at the victim’s home to return the truck’s license plates and tender a bill of sale to Revuckas. At approximately 5:38 p.m., Revuckas met Eliza in the vestibule of the apartment building. At approximately 6:09 p.m., the Downers Grove Fire Department received a fire alarm at the victim’s building. Upon their arrival, firefighters located Eliza near the door of her apartment. Eliza was removed from her burning apartment, and transferred to an ambulance, where fire department paramedics observed that Eliza had sustained sharp force injuries, and that she was deceased.
Following an investigation into the murder, it is alleged that after meeting with Eliza in the vestibule, Revuckas went into her apartment where he got into an altercation with Eliza as he was upset about the condition of the truck he had purchased from her and Gabriel. It is further alleged that the altercation turned physical and Revuckas stabbed Eliza seventy times. A majority of her wounds involved the head and neck. During the altercation, Eliza told Revuckas she was pregnant. Revuckas also allegedly stabbed the family dog, Zula, between her eyes. Zula survived and is currently under veterinary care at a veterinary hospital. Allegedly, Revuckas then started a fire in the kitchen on the stove top using items he found in the apartment and household chemicals and sanitizer as an accelerant. Further investigation of the fire found two points of origin, the first being the kitchen stove and the second being the front door. After the murder, Revuckas allegedly took Eliza’s cellular phone and fled the scene.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at approximately 11:42 p.m., investigators with the Downers Grove Police Department took Revuckas into custody from his home without incident.
“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,” Berlin said. “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.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“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.”
— Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries
Revuckas’ next court appearance is scheduled for February 18, 2026, in front of Judge Brian Telander.
Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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