Illinois Teen Accused of Stabbing Pregnant Mother to Death
A 19-year-old from Illinois is facing serious charges following the alleged murder of her pregnant mother during a Facebook Marketplace meeting. Reports indicate that Nedas Levukas is accused of not only killing 30-year-old Eliza Morales but also harming her dog and setting their home ablaze.
The incident occurred in Downers Grove on a Monday night. According to police, Levukas was indicted on various charges linked to the gruesome act. Morales was reportedly five months pregnant with her second child when the attack happened.
Levukas had expressed interest in a 1994 Ford Ranger that was listed for sale by Morales’ husband. Prosecutors revealed that she agreed to meet him at their home to complete the exchange of license plates.
Surveillance footage captured Morales meeting Levukas at around 5:30 p.m., where she handed him a screwdriver. A short while later, Levukas supposedly entered the apartment, and video showed what seemed to be a struggle as the door to Morales’ unit opened and closed multiple times.
Witnesses observed unusual movements, as if someone inside was attempting to leave. Minutes later, smoke was seen pouring from the apartment.
When responders arrived, they found Morales unresponsive and reported about 70 stab wounds to her neck and head. Miraculously, her dog, Zula, had survived the ordeal, despite being stabbed. Zula managed to escape during the fire and was taken for veterinary care.
Levukas was later located at a different home where he resided with his girlfriend. Despite initially denying involvement, he reportedly confessed to the murder after police discovered blood-stained clothing in his residence.
In a court statement, it was noted that Levukas had stabbed Morales multiple times, allegedly in a fit of rage related to the condition of the pickup truck he intended to buy. During the altercation, Morales had informed him about her pregnancy.
He also admitted to igniting the fire in the kitchen using items found in the apartment. At the time of the incident, Morales was preparing dinner alone, unaware of who Levukas was.
Her husband, Gabriel, was at work when he received the tragic news of his wife’s and unborn child’s deaths. “I’m going to spend the rest of my life without her,” he expressed, struggling to comprehend the loss.
Levukas faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and animal cruelty. He is due back in court soon.
