Arrest Made in Stabbing Death of DCFS Employee

Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon has released the identity of the woman stabbed to death Tuesday night in Thayer as Deidre Silas, 36, of Springfield. In a Wednesday afternoon press conference, DCFS Director Marc D. Smith said Silas had responded to a home where there was a “negative response to our presence.” There were adults at this home, along with six children. All of the children are safe and now in protective custody. The suspect in this case, identified as 32-year-old Benjamin H. Reed, has been formally charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint in Sangamon County. He faces up to natural life behind bars if he is convicted. Reed is scheduled to appear in court Thursday at 11 a.m.