Beating victim released from Dixon hospital

DIXON – A Dixon man who, police say, was seriously injured during a fight with his boyfriend, has been released from KSB Hospital and is recuperating in the Chicago area.

Ben Brainerd, 29, was in the hospital since he was beaten and his throat was cut Jan. 19.

Monday morning, he filed a new order of protection against 26-year-old Mario Garnica Jr. – the man police say caused his injuries.

Brainerd's friend, Matt Appleman, spoke to Sauk Valley Media about his status Monday afternoon.

"He's recuperating quite well," Appleman said. "We're all very impressed at his recovery, and even [Lee County State's Attorney] Anna Sacco-Miller said she was not expecting to see him this morning."

The attack left Brainerd deaf in one ear, with both of his arms and a bone in his back broken.

"There are a lot of people in this community that are really happy that he’s up and moving around," Appleman said.

An online fundraising page was set up by one of Brainerd's friends over the weekend to help offset some of his medical costs. As of Monday afternoon, almost $2,000 was raised.

Garnica was arrested by police Feb. 3 after Brainerd was able to speak again and give a statement.

Garnica, a bilingual first-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, has been placed on administrative leave. He is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of armed violence, four counts of aggravated domestic battery, and two counts of battery, and is being held in Lee County Jail on $300,000 bond. He will next appear in court Feb. 18.

To help

To donate toward Ben Brainerd's medical costs, visit gofundme.com/teamB3.