According to reports, the Department of Children and Family Services worker was stabbed to death as she conducted a visit at a home, authorities said. The 36-year-old woman joined the department last August, after working for seven years in the behavioral health field at the Department of Juvenile Justice. It remains unclear if any of the kids witnessed the violence inside the home. All six children are in protective custody as of Wednesday.
The 36-year-old woman from Illinois, Deidre Silas, was reportedly stabbed to death by 32-year-old Benjamin Reed, after she reportedly entered his home alone for the welfare check on Tuesday afternoon, according to reports.
It remains unclear why the victim was carrying out the checks or whether there were any known threats at the home.
Authorities arrived at the home and forced their way into the home after they saw blood near the door, where they found the victim dead inside.
The 32-year-old suspect was arrested following the stabbing when cops found him at a nearby hospital. Investigators believe he is related to at least one of the children. Reed was being treated for a cut to his hand.
It remains unclear if any of the kids witnessed the violence inside the home. All six children are in protective custody as of Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith said the agency trains its staff in how to approach various situations, including going into a volatile environment. He also said that workers decide whether to go alone, in pairs or ask for police assistance.
The Department of Children and Family Services Director, Marc Smith, reportedly said:
“In this tragic circumstance, the family we were there to help had a negative response to our presence. We’re not avoiding any responsibility. We take responsibility for all of our staff, as well as the children and families that we serve. We will continue to work, we will continue to improve our policies and procedures as we can.”
He also said that the 36-year-old woman joined the department last August after working for seven years in the behavioral health field at the Department of Juvenile Justice, according to reports.
The 32-year-old suspect is now facing multiple charges, including: first-degree murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint. He is being held on a $5 million bond.
This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.