Man Charged With 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson After Pregnant Woman Found Dead In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A 19-year-old Westmont man has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated arson, armed robbery and other felonies in connection with the death of Eliza Morales, 30, who was found dead with stab wounds during an apartment fire in Downers Grove Monday night.

Nedas Revuckas, of the 1400 block of Spruce Lane, was also charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, first-degree murder —forcible felony —armed robbery and first-degree murder —forcible felony— aggravated arson.

Firefighters had been called to an apartment in the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue just after 6 p.m. Monday for a report of a fire. They found Morales inside the apartment and pronounced her dead at the scene. Another person was found in the home and taken to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The investigation is being conducted by the Downers Grove Police Department, DuPage MERIT Task Force, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the DuPage County Arson Task Force.

Police say additional details will be shared at Revuckas's first court appearance, which is set for Jan. 28.

Morales's cause of death has not yet been released.