Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW/WAND TV)  – Guilty, but mentally ill.  That was the verdict the judge handed down Thursday in the bench trial of Benjamin Reed in the stabbing death of a DCFS worker in 2022.  Diedre Silas was killed while making a home visit in Thayer.

WAND TV reports 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 receive additional health care.

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.”

Sentencing is set for Nov. 15.