Benjamin Reed was convicted of first-degree murder in the brutal killing of Deidre Silas, a Child Protection Specialist with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Circuit Judge John Madonia found Reed guilty after a bench trial in Sangamon County, determining that his conduct during the murder was "exceptionally brutal and heinous," indicative of wanton cruelty.
Ms. Silas was murdered on January 4, 2022, while investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect at a residence in Thayer, Illinois. According to evidence presented during the trial, Reed attacked Ms. Silas, stabbing her and striking her with a sledgehammer. He then fled to Decatur, Illinois, where he was later arrested by the Decatur Police Department and taken into custody by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Reed asserted an insanity defense before the trial, but after hearing testimony from several doctors, Judge Madonia ruled that there was no evidence suggesting Reed lacked the substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of his actions. However, the judge did find that Reed had a mental illness as defined by Illinois law, leading to a verdict of guilty but mentally ill.
In response to the verdict, State’s Attorney John Milhiser said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Deidre Silas and with Child Protection Workers across the state who work each day to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe. The Court’s ruling today holds the defendant accountable for this brutal murder. When the defendant is sentenced on November 15th, we will be asking Judge Madonia to impose a prison sentence sufficient in length to ensure this defendant cannot get out and hurt anyone else."
Reed now faces a determinate prison sentence ranging from 20 years to natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections. His sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., and he will remain in custody until then.
Sangamon County Special Assistant State’s Attorney Derek Dion and Assistant State’s Attorney Kendra Hansel prosecuted the case.
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