An Illinois man has been charged with murder after authorities say he killed his elderly mother and concealed her body in their home for several days before it was discovered by police.
Victim Reported Missing After Unusual Silence
According to the Chicago Police Department, Kevan Works, 66, is accused in the death of his mother, Daniest Graves, 88.
Graves was last seen on March 26 after returning home from a shopping trip with her sister to her residence on South Lafayette Avenue in Chicago.
Family members grew concerned the following day when she failed to send her usual early morning prayer message and missed work, church, and other planned activities.
Suspicious Behavior Raises Alarm
On March 29, Graves’ sister went to the home to check on her and was met by Works, who appeared startled and refused to let her inside. After the encounter, she contacted police.
Officers responded and were told by Works that he had not seen his mother since March 27 and that she had gone to work. However, when police entered the home, they discovered her cellphone inside her room.
Investigators later determined the phone had been used as recently as March 29.
Evidence Points to Foul Play
As the investigation continued, authorities located Graves’ vehicle. A witness told police that Works and another woman had traded the car for drugs on March 27 and that two large garbage bags were inside the vehicle at the time.
Further evidence raised additional suspicion, prompting investigators to obtain a search warrant for the home.
Body Found Hidden Behind Bookcase
When officers returned with a warrant, police dogs led them to the basement, where Graves’ body was discovered in a concealed room hidden behind a bookcase.
Investigators also recovered several items from the home, including a folding knife believed to have blood on it, a hammer, brass knuckles, and a bottle of bleach. Authorities noted signs of possible cleanup efforts, including suspected blood and dried bleach on the bedroom floor, along with air fresheners placed throughout the house.
Surveillance footage from a Ring camera reportedly showed Graves never leaving the home after returning from shopping on March 26.
Arrest and Charges
Works was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and concealing the death of a person. Police also found Graves’ purse and wallet in a garbage can in the garage, while her jewelry boxes were discovered empty in the attic.
He is scheduled to appear in court on April 29 as the investigation continues.
