A routine online marketplace exchange ended in tragedy this week when a pregnant woman in Illinois was brutally attacked and killed during a Facebook Marketplace meetup. Authorities say what began as a vehicle transaction quickly spiraled into a violent incident that left the victim and her unborn child dead and the suspect facing a range of criminal charges.
Violent Attack During Online Sale Exchange
According to law enforcement reports, 30-year-old Eliza Morales agreed to meet a potential buyer at her Downers Grove apartment to complete a sale arranged through Facebook Marketplace. Surveillance footage showed the buyer arriving and initially interacting peacefully, but the situation escalated rapidly shortly thereafter. Prosecutors allege that the 19-year-old suspect attacked Morales, inflicting multiple stab wounds before fleeing the scene. Prosecutors say she was stabbed dozens of times in the attack.
Charges and Arrest
Authorities arrested the suspect and charged him with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, aggravated arson, robbery and animal cruelty. In addition to the deadly assault on Morales, the suspect is accused of setting fire to the apartment and injuring the family’s dog during the incident. He was taken into custody and is being held without bond as the case moves forward.
Family and Community Reaction
Morales, a devoted mother to her 2-year-old daughter and expecting a second child, was remembered by loved ones as kind and caring. Her husband, who was at work when the attack occurred, has expressed deep grief and said he will do his best to care for their surviving child. A fundraiser has been launched to assist the family with expenses as they cope with their devastating loss.
