Chicago Man Charged in Fatal Assault of 84-Year-Old Woman

Joseph Ruiz, 51, was arrested November 5 and charged with first-degree murder and murder involving a strong probability of death or injury in the death of Benilda Ruiz, 84, in Chicago. Police identified him as the suspect in the case; the charges have not been adjudicated in court.

Benilda Ruiz was found dead on March 13 inside a home in the 11000 block of South Washtenaw Avenue in Morgan Park, on the city’s Far South Side. The Cook County medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, citing multiple injuries from an assault.

Joseph Ruiz is scheduled to appear in court November 7 for a detention hearing. The charges include two felony counts, and the hearing will address whether he remains in custody as the case proceeds.