Police say the 30-year-old victim, identified by relatives as Eliza Morales, was found after a fire at an Ogden Avenue apartment.
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — A homicide investigation is underway after a 30-year-old pregnant woman was killed and her suburban apartment was set on fire Monday night on Ogden Avenue, authorities said. A 19-year-old Westmont man was taken into custody Tuesday and now faces murder, arson and related charges.
Officials say the case entered a new phase Tuesday as detectives interviewed witnesses, processed the fire scene and coordinated with DuPage County prosecutors. Family members identified the victim as Eliza Morales and said she was several months pregnant. Police said a second person at the scene was treated for smoke inhalation. Investigators believe the fire was set after the attack, and they described the investigation as active, with more information expected after a court appearance Wednesday.
Fire crews were called to an apartment in the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue around Monday evening after reports of smoke and flames. First responders found Morales with sharp-force injuries and began medical aid, but she was pronounced dead, police said. Detectives quickly cordoned off the complex and collected doorbell and exterior camera footage while arson investigators examined burn patterns inside the unit. Relatives told reporters Morales had been cooking dinner before the attack. “This is an active investigation,” police said in a brief statement, noting that additional interviews were planned with neighbors who heard a commotion before the fire alarm. The building’s management company assisted investigators with access to security video and unit entry logs, according to police.
By Tuesday, Downers Grove police announced the arrest of Nedas Revuckas, 19, of Westmont. He is charged with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, robbery, aggravated arson and aggravated cruelty to animals. Authorities did not release details on the animal cruelty count but said evidence recovered in the unit supported the charge. Investigators said Morales resisted the suspect at her doorway as he tried to force his way in before the attack escalated. A second individual rescued from the building was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation and was expected to recover. Police said there is no indication the suspect knew the family before the incident. Detectives continued canvassing the corridor of Ogden Avenue for any additional witnesses who may have seen a person running from the building after the fire began.
The killing rattled the western suburb, which sits about 20 miles from downtown Chicago and is lined with small apartment buildings and storefronts along Ogden Avenue. Fire damage appeared heaviest near the kitchen and entryway, according to residents who were allowed to retrieve belongings on Tuesday. The DuPage County Fire Investigation Task Force assisted at the scene, while the county medical examiner conducted an autopsy and documented the victim’s injuries. Public records show the apartment complex has passed recent safety inspections; there were no recent serious crime reports at the address before Monday’s attack. Similar cases have drawn attention in the region, and state law includes a specific offense for the killing of an unborn child when a pregnant victim is slain.
Prosecutors scheduled a detention hearing for Wednesday in DuPage County. If a judge orders the suspect held without bail, the case will move to preliminary hearing. Prosecutors said they will review forensic results, including DNA, fingerprints and fire debris analysis, before presenting evidence to a grand jury. Police planned to release an updated incident report after the hearing that could add a timeline of 911 calls, arrival times for first responders and the initial cause-and-origin findings from the arson examination. The building’s residents could see ongoing scene-security overnight while technicians complete measurements and photographs for court exhibits. Authorities did not indicate when the unit would be cleared for repairs.
Neighbors described heavy smoke and alarm bells as firefighters rushed in. One resident said crews pulled hoses through a narrow stairwell while officers kept onlookers back from the parking lot. A relative at the complex said the family is grieving the loss of Morales and her unborn child and that they did not know the suspect. Outside the crime-scene tape, small groups gathered with flowers and candles. Others dropped off food for family members coming and going from the property management office. Police urged anyone with doorbell video, especially along Ogden and nearby side streets, to share it with detectives to fill in the minutes before and after the blaze.
As of Wednesday morning, the suspect was expected in court for a detention hearing, and investigators said they would continue interviews and lab work through the week. Officials plan to release more details on the cause of the fire and the sequence of events after the hearing on Jan. 28.
Author note: Last updated January 28, 2026.