Joseph Ruiz was arrested Thursday and charged with felony first-degree murder and murder with a strong probability of death or injury, according to police. He is scheduled to appear in court Saturday for a detention hearing.

The victim, identified by the Cook County medical examiner's office as Benilda Ruiz, 84, of Chicago, was found inside a residence in the 11000 block of South Washtenaw Avenue on March 13. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple injuries from an assault.

Police said Joseph Ruiz was identified as the suspect who allegedly caused the victim's death. Authorities have not disclosed the relationship between the two, who share a surname.

No further details about the circumstances of the killing or the investigation were immediately released. The case remains under review as it moves into the court process, with the detention hearing set to determine whether Ruiz will be held in custody while awaiting trial.

The killing adds to the toll of violence against older residents on the South Side, where community groups have long pressed for stronger protections and support services for seniors living alone. Morgan Park, a predominantly residential neighborhood on the city's far Southwest Side, has seen sporadic violent crime in recent years, though block clubs and faith organizations have worked to strengthen neighborhood watch efforts.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Chicago police.