A 29-year-old Peoria, Illinois, man has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for the brutal 2022 murder of his grandmother. Cody A. Krause was accused of fatally bludgeoning 73-year-old Glenda Rusterholz with a hammer, causing devastating injuries to her skull and face. The tragic incident unfolded within Rusterholz's Peoria residence in April 2022.

Following a stipulated bench trial, a Peoria County judge rendered the verdict, determining that Krause's mental state at the time of the crime prevented him from comprehending the gravity of his actions. The court's decision indicates Krause "lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct." He had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type.

Instead of incarceration in a jail, Krause will be placed under the care of the Department of Human Services within a mental health facility, where he will receive specialized treatment for his condition. This placement ensures he receives the necessary care while safeguarding public safety. Had he been convicted of first-degree murder, Krause could have faced a sentence ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.

During police questioning, Krause reportedly confessed to the killing, claiming that voices in his head ceased after his grandmother's death. He also expressed disturbing sentiments about his family, stating that it would be preferable if they were all deceased. This information played a crucial role in understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.