Man accused of murdering DCFS worker found guilty, but mentally ill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A man accused of killing a Department of Children and Family Services worker has been found guilty, but mentally ill.

Benjamin H. Reed was on trial for the stabbing of Diedre Silas to death in 2022.

The defense had been arguing for a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity, but Reed was found guilty but mentally ill. In Illinois, a defendant found guilty but mentally ill will still serve time in prison, but may also get additional health care while in custody.

Illinois' criminal code says:

“… mental illness is not an affirmative defense, but an alternative plea or finding that may be accepted, under appropriate evidence, when the affirmative defense of insanity is raised or the plea of guilty but mentally ill is made.”

Reed was found guilty of first degree murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated unlawful restraint. There were also two enhancements, the presence of a material witness and "exceptionally heinous and brutal behavior indicative of wanton cruelty."

On January 4, 2022, Benjamin H. Reed allegedly killed Silas, a child protection specialist with DCFS. He was charged in with three counts of First-Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Battery, and unlawful restraint. Reed waived his right to trial by jury in December 2023.

In court Thursday, the prosecution called two doctors, both of whom consulted with Reed multiple times in the emergency room. They spoke as expert witnesses in the field of psychiatry.

Reed had been brought into the ER by his wife for suicidal and homicidal ideations. There were 6-8 visits.

During those visits, the prosecution said the doctors never witnessed Reed having hallucinations or talking to voices inside his head.

While the doctors acknowledged Reed had mental concerns, they argued he still had a level of functionality.

The defense argued that the witnesses should not have any say in Reed's mental state at the time of the killing because they had not seen him since 2016. Neither of the doctors made their own diagnoses, so the defense argued their opinions should not matter.

Reed will be sentenced in November.