SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND)- The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon has released the identity of the woman stabbed to death Tuesday night in Thayer.
Coroner Allmon confirms the deceased female found in the 300 block of West Elm Street in Thayer, was Deidre Silas, 36, of Springfield.
Silas was pronounced dead at 6 p.m. on the scene.
According to the coroner an autopsy was preformed Wednesday morning and preliminary findings suggest Silas died of multiple sharp force injuries and blunt force trauma.
The death is being investigated by the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
In a Wednesday afternoon press conference, DCFS Director Marc D. Smith said Silas had responded to a home where there was a "negative response to our presence." There were adults at this home, along with six children. All of the children are safe and now in protective custody.
He said DCFS protocols were followed and a tragedy occurred. He added staff is trained to recognize potential danger, and while Silas responded to the home alone, all protocols were followed.
"Words fall short in expressing our sadness and tremendous sense of loss that everyone at DCFS is struggling with today," Smith said.
The family of Silas will be helped by DCFS as appropriate, Smith added.
WAND News talked with the father of Silas, Roy Graham, who brought Silas to the U.S. from Jamaica when she was 10. He said his daughter was a mother to two young kids. She had a master's degree in criminal justice and was drawn to children.
"She's a go-getter (and had a) smile on her face all the time," Graham said. 'Loving, caring, cherishing, loved kids to death. That's what she (does). She loves kids to death."
He expressed some frustration that more wasn't done. He said two case workers could be sent together to help prevent danger. The DCFS director had said in his press conference that checks aren't typically done in pairs.
The suspect in this case, identified as 32-year-old Benjamin H. Reed, has been formally charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint in Sangamon County. He faces up to natural life behind bars if he is convicted.
A motion was filed on Thursday morning by the Sangamon County State's Attorney to deny bail. Dan Wright told WAND News the petition was granted. Wright said he told the court the alleged conduct of Reed "can be characterized as pure, unadulterated evil."
In the courtroom, the public defender's office entered an order of examination by a psychiatrist to determine whether Reed is fit to stand trial.
His next scheduled appearance will be on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m.
Smith released the following statement following the incident:
“The Department of Children and Family Services is deeply saddened by the tragic death of our colleague, Deidre Silas. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time. Social work is more than just a job, it is a calling. Deidre responded to this call and dedicated herself to the children, families and communities she served, and we will be forever grateful for her work. She was an incredible person, and her brightness and positivity will be missed not only by her family and friends, but also her second family at DCFS.”
AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch:
"We are heartbroken at the loss of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigator and AFSCME member Deidre Silas of Springfield, murdered Tuesday while responding to a report of children in danger. The perpetrator of this unspeakable crime must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Lynch continues, "Deidre dedicated her career to helping young people. Prior to joining DCFS in August 2021 she worked in behavioral health and for more than seven years with the Department of Juvenile Justice where she was a union steward. This tragedy is a stark reminder that frontline DCFS employees like Deidre do demanding, dangerous and essential jobs every day, often despite inadequate resources and tremendous stress."
Lynch adds "AFSCME will carefully study the facts of this incident as they emerge and press for any necessary changes to DCFS operations. One death in the line of service is too many. Our union is providing support to Deidre’s coworkers to help them process this trauma and aid their grieving. The hearts and thoughts of every AFSCME member are with Deidre’s loved ones, especially her children, in the wake of their profound and senseless loss. In her name we rededicate ourselves to our vigilant advocacy to improve workplace safety for all."
Govenor JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“Today, the State of Illinois mourns the loss of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker and a hero, taken from us in the line of duty. There is no higher calling than the work to keep children and families safe and Deidre lived that value every single day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our most vulnerable are safer because she chose to serve. I can think of no more profound legacy. MK and I send our deepest condolences to her colleagues at DCFS, her family, and all who loved her.”
Another statement came from Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton:
“Today, our Illinois family mourns the loss of DCFS caseworker Deidre Silas, who was killed on the job while trying to make a difference. She was a brave, essential worker dedicated to helping children, their families, and their communities. Our state is a better place because of Deidre Silas. My family and I are sending our prayers and condolences to her family, DCFS coworkers, and everyone whose life she touched.”
A go fund me page has been created by the family, to donate go to https://gofund.me/5a319bff.
