Kevan Works, 66, faces first-degree murder charges after police discovered the body of his 88-year-old mother, Daniest Graves, hidden in their Chicago home's basement. The incident occurred after Graves returned from shopping on March 26. Authorities say Works left the body to decompose for days.
Chicago police announced charges against Kevan Works for the death of his mother, Daniest Graves. Works faces first-degree murder and concealing a death. The 66-year-old is accused of killing the 88-year-old woman upon her return from shopping on March 26 at their home in the 10700 block of South Lafayette Avenue. Prosecutors detailed that Graves did not send her usual morning prayer text on March 27 and missed work and church events, prompting family concern. On March 29, Graves' sister visited the home and encountered Works, who appeared startled and refused entry. She called police, who spoke with Works. He claimed he had not seen his mother since March 27 and said she had gone to work. Officers found Graves' cellphone in her room, last used that day. A witness told investigators that Works and another woman traded Graves' car for drugs on March 27; the vehicle contained two large black garbage bags. On Tuesday, with a search warrant, police dogs located Graves' body behind a bookcase in the basement. Surveillance video from a Ring camera showed Graves never left the home after March 26. Evidence included a folding knife with suspected blood, a bleach bottle, hammer, and brass knuckles. Suspected blood and dried bleach marked the bedroom floor, with air fresheners throughout the house. Graves' purse and wallet were in a garage trash can, and her jewelry boxes stood empty in the attic. Works was arrested that day and is due in court on April 29.