SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (TCN) — A judge found a 35-year-old man guilty but mentally ill for stabbing and beating a Department of Children and Family Services official to death during a home visit.
The Springfield State Journal-Register reports Judge John Madonia reached Benjamin Reed’s verdict for the death of Deidre Silas in a bench trial, which occurs when the case is presented in front of a judge rather than a jury. Court records show Reed was charged with murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated unlawful restraint.
According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, on Jan. 4, 2022, Silas went to Reed’s house to follow up on “a report of abuse and neglect,” though the allegations did not have to do with Reed or his kids. The claims related to another couple living in the home. There were reportedly six adult and six children residing in a two-bedroom house. Silas’ visit did not include any plans to remove children from the residence. When she walked in, Reed’s wife reportedly said Silas was not allowed to speak with their kids.
Reed reportedly viewed Silas as an “intruder” who was going to take his kids away. Silas found a knife and stabbed her 43 times. After, he beat her with a sledgehammer.
Following the stabbing, Reed, his wife, and her children fled and drove to his mother’s house. WAND-TV reports she turned him away, so he went to a nearby hospital for a cut on his hand, where he was arrested.
The Springfield State Journal-Register reports fie psychiatrists testified at Reed’s trial, including one of whom reportedly said Reed had “bona fide DSM-documented mental health conditions and disorders.” They all reportedly diagnosed him with a mental health disorder.
Prosecutor Derek Dion argued, “He definitely knew what he was doing.”
WICS/WRSP-TV reports Madonia said during his decision that Reed could be both mentally ill and aware of his actions at the same time.
He said, “Can he manipulate? Yes. Is he a manipulator? Absolutely. Did he try and do it here to gain a sanity edge? Absolutely. He sure did. Can you be a liar and a malingerer and still have documented and established mental illness? Absolutely.”
Reed will be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in November.
Madonia called Silas’ murder “one of the most brutal and heinous” he had seen in his career.