Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

NW Side Teen Charged In Fatal Machete Attack On Uber Driver On Memorial Day

By  Erica Demarest and Alex Nitkin | June 1, 2017 6:03am 

 Norwood Park resident Eliza Wasni, 16, was denied bail Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder.
Norwood Park resident Eliza Wasni, 16, was denied bail Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder.
View Full Caption
Shutterstock

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A 16-year-old Norwood Park girl has been charged as an adult in the murder of an Uber driver in suburban Lincolnwood on Memorial Day.

Eliza Wasni, 16, was denied bail Wednesday on allegations she killed 34-year-old Grant Nelson with a knife and machete she'd just stolen from Wal-Mart.

Police found Nelson screaming for help in the 7200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Lincolnwood, about 3:20 a.m. Monday, police said. Before later dying at St. Francis Hospital, Nelson told officers he'd been stabbed multiple times by a girl passenger.

Using Nelson's Uber app, police learned the fare was named "Eliza," the Tribune reported. Police said they found Wasni hiding near the murder scene with two weapons — later identified by prosecutors as a knife and machete.

According to the Tribune, Wasni stole the knife and machete from a Wal-Mart in Skokie before hailing a ride from Nelson. He drove Wasni toward Lincolnwood, where she began attacking him near Touhy and Lincoln avenues.

Prosecutors during a bond hearing Wednesday described the attack as "heinous" and "not provoked in any manner."

Wasni declined to speak to police, officers said. No motive was given.

Taft High School Principal Mark Grishaber said Wasni was enrolled at the Northwest Side school for nine days starting Feb. 8.

"It's just so odd, and very tragic. ... I don't think anyone even knew who she was," he said.

Though Wasni is charged as an adult, police do not release booking photos of minors. She is expected to be housed in a juvenile facility pending trial.

After court Wednesday, Nelson's sister, Alexandra Nelson, told reporters "the details were horrifying and saddening."

"The loss of intelligence and conversation and nuance and thoughtfulness that he brought into all of our lives is going to be felt," Alexandra Nelson said, "and it will reverberate with us throughout the coming weeks and months and years, and it’s not a hole that can be easily filled."

Police said Nelson drove a gray four-door Hyundai Sonata.

An Uber spokeswoman said the company has been working with law enforcement and tries to keep drivers safe with safety tips and "other information that we provide to drivers that was developed with feedback from drivers and law enforcement."

But, the spokeswoman added, "Sadly no form of transportation is free of incidents and accidents, nor immune to the challenges of crime."

“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our partners, Grant Nelson. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the spokeswoman said.