Tragic Incident: Son Arrested After 88-Year-Old Mother Found Deceased in Basement Following Shopping Trip

In a deeply unsettling case out of Illinois, a man is facing serious charges after allegedly murdering his mother and leaving her remains undiscovered for several days. Kevan Works, aged 66, has been accused of first-degree murder and concealing a death in connection to the demise of 88-year-old Daniest Graves, according to an announcement by the Chicago Police Department.

This tragic incident dates back to March 26. That afternoon, Graves returned to her residence on South Lafayette Avenue in Chicago after a shopping trip with her sister. However, the next morning, an unusual break in her routine raised alarms—she did not send her customary morning prayer text at 4 a.m., as reported by WFLD, a local Fox affiliate.

Concern for Graves’ well-being quickly mounted among her family when she failed to appear for work, attend church services, or participate in other social engagements. By March 29, the worry had escalated to action when Graves’ sister decided to visit her home. Upon arriving, she was met by Works, who seemed surprised and refused her entry, according to prosecutors.

The disturbing details of this case have left the community in shock, as they grapple with the reality of such a heinous act within their midst. The legal proceedings will unfold as authorities seek justice for the victim and her grieving family.

The victim subsequently did not show up at work nor arrive at planned church services or other outings, raising concern for members of her family, authorities added. On March 29, her sister arrived at her home and was greeted by Works, who appeared startled and would not let her enter the house, prosecutors said.

After the encounter, the sister reportedly called the police.

Officers responded to the home, where Works allegedly told them he had not seen his mother since March 27, and that she had actually gone to work. When officers got in the home and her room — which Works reportedly said he could not enter due to not having a key — they found Graves” cellphone.

Investigators reportedly determined the victim’s phone had last been used on March 29.

The investigation into the woman’s disappearance continued, with officers finding her vehicle and talking to a witness about the discovery. According to WFLD, the witness said that Works and a woman brought the car to her on March 27, and traded it for drugs before the witness drove them back to the South Lafayette Avenue home.

The car is said to have had two large black garbage bags inside.

Days passed without a sign of Graves’ body. Then, on Tuesday, officers entered the home with a search warrant, and police dogs found the victim’s body in the basement in a room hidden by a bookcase.

Investigators also reportedly found a folding knife with suspected blood on it, a bottle of bleach, a hammer, and brass knuckles. Suspected blood and seemingly-dried bleach were also discovered on the floor of Graves’ bedroom, with air fresheners strewn about the home.

Police also say they observed Ring surveillance video showing Graves never leaving the home again after getting back from shopping on March 26. Her purse and wallet are said to have been found inside a garbage can in the garage, while her jewelry boxes were found empty in the attic.

Works was arrested on Tuesday, and he is expected to appear in court on April 29.