Pregnant Mother Stabbed 70 Times in Facebook Marketplace Truck Deal Horror
A pregnant woman in Chicago has died after being brutally stabbed approximately seventy times by a teenager who had purchased a truck from her and her husband through Facebook Marketplace. The horrific incident, which also involved the family's apartment being deliberately set alight, has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about safety in online transactions.
Details of the Tragic Attack
Eliza Morales, aged thirty, was found deceased on Monday in the doorway of her Downers Grove apartment. The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office reports that the victim was just months away from giving birth to her second baby girl. The alleged perpetrator, nineteen-year-old Nedas Revuckas, had bought a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck from the couple on January 24th after it was listed for sale on the social media platform.
According to official press releases, the teenager later returned to the Morales' home that same day under the pretence of returning the vehicle's license plates and providing a bill of sale. At approximately 5:30 PM, an altercation is alleged to have erupted between Revuckas and Eliza Morales, reportedly centred on a dispute over the condition of the recently purchased truck.
A Scene of Extreme Violence and Arson
Just over thirty minutes after the argument began, the Downers Grove Fire Department responded to fire alarms at the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered Ms. Morales with multiple traumatic wounds, predominantly focused on her head and neck area. Investigators state that after the stabbing, the teenager allegedly set the home alight using the stove top with various household items and chemicals, before igniting another fire by the front door.
Tragically, the attack claimed not only Eliza's life but also that of her unborn child. In a further distressing detail, the family's dog, named Zula, was also attacked during the incident, suffering a stab wound between the eyes. The pet survived and was admitted to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
Charges and Community Outpouring
Nedas Revuckas was swiftly arrested and now faces a litany of serious charges. These include three counts of First Degree Murder, Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Arson, and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. He made an initial court appearance on Thursday, with a further hearing scheduled for February 18th.
The devastating loss has prompted an outpouring of grief and support. A GoFundMe campaign established to aid the Morales family described Eliza as "the type of person who would give the shirt off her back to a stranger" and a devoted mother who was gentle, patient, and fiercely committed to her family. Her mother-in-law, Angelica Silva, told local media, "Pure evil. None of us get it—she did not deserve this. No one deserves anything like this."
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin extended his sincerest condolences to Eliza's surviving family and friends, acknowledging their horrific loss and the profound void left by her absence. Eliza Morales is survived by her husband, Gabriel, and her two-year-old daughter.
This tragic case underscores the potential dangers that can arise from online marketplace transactions and has left a community mourning a life described as "rooted in love" and characterised by unwavering generosity and selflessness.
