Gillespie man committed to IDHS for his role in 2019 death of his 79-year-old mother

A Gillespie man was committed to the Illinois Department of Human Services for his role in the death of his 79-year-old mother in late 2019.

The commitment of Clinton S. Sanders, 39, was ordered by Seventh Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Joshua A. Meyer in Macoupin County Court last week. It was not to exceed 60 years from the date of the incident, according to a news release from the Macoupin County State's Attorney's office.

At a May 24 bench trial before Meyer, Sanders was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the Dec. 15, 2019, death of Sandra J. Sanders of the 400 block of East Easton Street.

More: Gillespie shaken as son is charged with murder of his mother

Clinton Sanders was charged with one count of first-degree murder.

Sandra Sanders died of blunt force trauma to her head and neck.

Clinton Sanders lived with his mother, a former librarian. He was arrested at the home on Dec. 16, 2019.

Sandra Sanders was found outside of her residence under a deck after Gillespie Police were called for a welfare check. While receiving medical treatment, she was able to identify her son as her attacker. She later died at Carlinville Area Hospital.

During the trial, expert opinions containing evaluations of Clinton Sanders and a review of psychological records showed he was experiencing acute psychosis onset by multiple mental health disorders, including schizoaffective disorder. That disorder preexisted the incident, according to the release.

At Wednesday's commitment hearing, the State proved Sanders' mental illness posed a threat to himself and others.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Gillespie IL man committed to state for role in death of his mother