A disturbing case out of Chicago has led to the arrest of a 66-year-old man accused of killing his elderly mother and hiding her body inside their home for days.
Authorities say the incident went unnoticed at first, until family members became concerned when the victim suddenly stopped her daily routine.
Victim’s Disappearance Raises Alarm
Daniest Graves, 88, was last seen on March 26 after returning home from a shopping trip with her sister. She arrived at her residence on South Lafayette Avenue around 2:30 p.m.
The following morning, something unusual happened. Graves failed to send her regular early-morning prayer message, something she was known to do daily around 4 a.m.
She also missed work, church services, and other planned activities, prompting concern among her family.
Suspicious Behavior at the Home
On March 29, Graves’ sister went to check on her and was met by Kevan Works.
According to prosecutors, Works appeared startled and refused to let her enter the home. This raised further suspicion, leading the sister to contact police.
When officers arrived, Works allegedly told them he had not seen his mother since March 27 and claimed she had gone to work. However, investigators quickly found inconsistencies in his story.
Evidence Begins to Surface
Inside the home, officers located Graves’ cellphone in her room, despite Works claiming he could not access it. Investigators later determined the phone had been used as recently as March 29.
Further investigation revealed troubling details. A witness told police that Works and another woman had brought Graves’ vehicle to them on March 27 and traded it for drugs. The car reportedly contained two large garbage bags at the time.
Surveillance footage from a Ring camera showed that Graves never left the house after returning home on March 26.
Body Found Hidden in Basement
After days of searching, police executed a search warrant at the home. Using police dogs, they discovered Graves’ body in the basement.
The body was hidden in a room concealed behind a bookcase, suggesting an attempt to cover up the crime.
The condition of the scene indicated that the body had been there for several days.
Items Recovered From the Scene
Investigators found multiple items that may be connected to the crime, including:
- A folding knife with suspected blood
- A hammer and brass knuckles
- A bottle of bleach
- Signs of dried blood and cleaning attempts
- Air fresheners placed throughout the home
Additionally, Graves’ purse and wallet were found in a garbage can in the garage, while her jewelry boxes were discovered empty in the attic.
These findings point to both violence and efforts to conceal evidence.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Kevan Works has been charged with first-degree murder and concealing the death of a person. The Chicago Police Department announced the charges following his arrest.
He is expected to appear in court on April 29 as the case moves forward.
Incident Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Victim | Daniest Graves, 88 |
| Suspect | Kevan Works, 66 |
| Date Last Seen | March 26 |
| Body Found | Hidden basement room |
| Key Evidence | Weapon, bleach, surveillance video |
| Charges | First-degree murder, concealment |
| Court Date | April 29 |
Why This Case Stands Out
This case is particularly troubling due to the vulnerability of the victim and the alleged involvement of a family member.
It also highlights how small changes in routine—such as a missed message or absence from regular activities—can signal something serious.
The investigation shows how multiple pieces of evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, can come together to reveal what happened.
The death of Daniest Graves has left a community shaken and raised serious questions about what occurred inside her home.
As the legal process continues, authorities will work to establish the full sequence of events. For now, the case stands as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can turn tragic—and how important it is to act when something feels wrong.
