Man found guilty, but mentally ill in murder of DCFS worker sentenced to 100 years

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) —The man who was found guilty, but mentally ill for the murder of a DCFS worker was sentenced to 100 years in prison on Friday.

In August, Benjamin Reed was found guilty, but mentally ill for the 2022 murder of Diedre Silas.

While in custody, Reed has been receiving mental health treatment.

Silas's parents gave impact statements at the sentencing.

A verdict of guilty, but mentally ill means that the defendant was suffering mental illness — but not insanity — at the time they committed a crime. However, it does not mean they are relieved of their criminal responsibility. He will be held in a department of corrections building — not a mental health facility. But the state is required to provide him mental health treatment.

In the final day of Benjamin Reed's trial, the courtroom heard from two more mental health professionals who had previously met with Reed. After they were questioned, the courtroom was able to take a step back and get a full look at the case.

Diedre Silas was assigned to investigate allegations of neglect in Reed's home, with no plans to remove children. After realizing Silas entered his home, he grabbed a knife and stabbed her 43 times. Then he went to the laundry room to get a sledgehammer.

Kendra Hansel, Sangamon County Assistant State's Attorney, described the event. "He turns around, and goes back to the dining room, back to the living room, to finish what he started. And that was the murder of Deidre Silas."

After the stabbing, Reed fled with his children and wife to his mother's house. He told her he murdered a DCFS worker. After telling him to leave, he went to a Decatur hospital. His mother contacted the police and notified them of her son's confession and location, leading to his and his wife's arrest at the hospital.

DCFS released the following statement regarding the sentencing:

Deidre Silas was a remarkable person who dedicated her life to making Illinois a better, safer place for children and families, and her death remains a profound and tragic loss for her family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives she touched.

In honor of Deidre’s legacy of service, DCFS has created the Deidre Silas Award, a scholarship presented annually to a current or former youth in care who is pursuing a college degree in social work.

As this chapter closes, we continue to honor Deidre’s legacy and the lives she touched working to help our state’s most vulnerable children.

Throughout the trial, there were inconsistencies with Reed's mental health history, backed up by five different mental health professionals who testified. However, Judge John M. Madonia ruled he was mentally ill at the time of the murder. "He is exactly who this deposition was created for," said Madonia "This is the exact use. He is guilty, but mentally ill."