Sigrist Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Attack on Grandparents

Print

Published on April 13 2021 3:58 pm
Last Updated on April 13 2021 5:40 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Edgewood resident Mark Sigrist Tuesday was found not guilty by reason of insanity of the attempted murder of his grandparents last year.

The 39-year-old Sigrist was charged with injuring his grandparents, Kenneth and Nancy Baker, at their home in Edgewood in July of 2020. Family members indicated at the time that Sigrist has mental health issues and has dealt with schizophrenia, undergoing treatment on multiple occasions. 

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the week of the incident that Sigrist for some reason became upset with Nancy Baker and began striking her with a cutting board. When Kenneth Baker intervened, Sigrist struck him with the cutting board. When the board broke, Sigrist grabbed a knife and began stabbing his grandfather. That's when Nancy Baker ran to the neighbors for help.

Both sides agreed on a stipulated bench trial for Sigrist, as did the Bakers, so no jury was needed. Kibler dismissed two counts of aggravated domestic battery, then presented the evidence to which the defense had stipulated regarding the attempted murder counts. Defense attorney Ed Deters submitted the mental health evaluation conducted on Sigrist. Judge Christopher Matoush then announced the verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

The judge remanded Sigrist to the Illinois Department of Human Services for evaluation as to whether he needed mental health treatment or services. A status hearing as to the findings of DHS was scheduled for May 19. Sigrist will no longer be allowed to post bond to obtain his release.