KANKAKEE, IL – A dramatic development unfolded in the high-profile felony case of Anita Lynn Diaz, accused of multiple counts of Aggravated Unlawful Restraint.
On Monday, the court witnessed a stunning revelation during the case’s recent hearing. The defense presented a psychological evaluation report, indicating Diaz’s current unfitness for trial but potentially fit within a year.
The incident that sparked this gripping legal saga occurred on July 10, 2023, in Manteno, IL, when Anita Diaz, 47, allegedly abducted four young girls at knifepoint. The girls recounted a harrowing ordeal where they were forced into Diaz’s vehicle after she brandished a knife and threatened them at a local park. She then transported them to multiple locations in Bourbonnais and Manteno, lasting several hours before finally releasing them unharmed at another Manteno park.
Following swift action by Manteno Police, Diaz was apprehended late that night and charged with four counts of Aggravated Unlawful Restraint, a Class 3 felony. The court set bond at $100,000, with strict conditions barring any contact with the victims throughout the proceedings.
At Diaz’s initial court appearance, the judge ordered a fitness evaluation to be conducted by Dr. James Simone, which led to the recent revelation of her current unfitness for trial. The defense’s motion to continue the proceedings to assess her potential future fitness was granted, and the next court date is scheduled for August 14, 2023, at 9:30 am in Room 309.
