Son Accused of Killing 84-Year-Old Adoptive Mother After Telling Paramedics They Had ‘Gotten Into It’

A 51-year-old Illinois man has been charged with murder after his 84-year-old adoptive mother was found dead inside their home, her body covered with a blanket. Joseph Ruiz was arrested on November 5, 2026, following a months-long investigation into the death of Benilda Ruiz in Chicago. Authorities say the elderly woman suffered severe injuries, and investigators ultimately determined that her death was a homicide.

The disturbing case began on March 13, when emergency responders were called to the family’s home in the 11000 block of South Washtenaw Avenue. Joseph had reportedly contacted 911 and said his mother had died the previous evening. When first responders entered the residence, they found Benilda’s body covered by a blanket. She had visible injuries, prompting further investigation. According to reports, Joseph had also called emergency services the day before, saying his mother was on the floor and needed medical attention. However, he allegedly refused to allow responders inside the home when they arrived.

Investigators later reviewed events leading up to the discovery. On March 8, a neighbor reportedly witnessed Joseph yelling at his mother outside the house, grabbing her roughly by the arm and forcing her into a vehicle. The same witness said Joseph threw a bag of jewelry onto the sidewalk and left some of Benilda’s clothing near the front steps. These details became part of the investigation as detectives attempted to reconstruct the final days of the elderly woman’s life.

When speaking with paramedics, Joseph allegedly admitted that he and his mother had “gotten into it” the previous day. However, he reportedly insisted that he had not broken her neck. Several days later, while receiving treatment at a psychiatric hospital, he allegedly told a hospital social worker that he had not attempted CPR because his mother had a “crushed windpipe.” Those statements, along with the physical evidence, drew further attention from investigators.

An autopsy determined that Benilda died from blunt-force trauma in a homicide. The injuries reportedly included bleeding in the brain, a lacerated liver, and fractures to her spine, collarbone and multiple ribs. The medical examiner described the extent of the injuries as comparable to those suffered in a severe vehicle collision. Family members told local media that they had suspected Joseph’s involvement and had spent months waiting for authorities to make an arrest.

Joseph Ruiz now faces two felony counts: first-degree murder and murder with a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. He is being held without bond at the Cook County Jail. The case is moving through the court system, and the charges remain allegations until proven in court. For Benilda’s relatives, the arrest has brought some relief after months of uncertainty, but the loss of their loved one remains devastating.