Sangamon Co. judge rules in Deidre Silas murder trial

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A judge ruled in the murder trial of former social worker Deidre Silas Thursday afternoon.

The judge has ruled Benjamin Reed is guilty but mentally ill.

Silas, 36, was a social worker with DCFS. In January 2022, she went on a home visit in Thayer, Illinois. It was there that she was stabbed and killed .

Benjamin Reed was accused of first degree murder. He pleaded insanity during the trial.

He was diagnosed at a young age with Schizoaffective Disorder, which means he experiences symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Reed will be sentenced Nov. 15.

This is a developing story that will continue to be updated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.