In a shocking courtroom outburst, Taylor Schabusiness, the Wisconsin woman accused of the gruesome decapitation of her lover, attacked her own defense attorney, Quinn Jolly. The incident unfolded in a Brown County courtroom on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, as Judge Thomas Walsh announced a delay in her trial, originally scheduled for March 6. The trial has been postponed to May 15, or a later date, a decision that triggered Schabusiness’s violent reaction.
The 25-year-old Schabusiness, already in handcuffs, directed her anger at Mr. Jolly, physically attacking him. A brief struggle ensued before a court officer intervened to restrain her. The dramatic scene was reported by Fox 6 and other news outlets, quickly spreading across national news platforms.
Taylor Schabusiness attacks her attorney, Quinn Jolly, in Brown County court in Green Bay, Wis., on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
The reason for the trial delay, as explained by Mr. Jolly to Judge Walsh, was the need for more time to consult with a defense expert. This expert is expected to assess and potentially testify on Schabusiness’s competency to stand trial. Law & Crime reported that this request for expert evaluation was a key factor in the judge’s decision to postpone the proceedings.
Schabusiness faces a string of severe charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and sexual assault. These charges are connected to the death of Shad Thyrion, her lover, on February 23, 2022. According to official reports, the crime was allegedly committed during a meth-fueled sexual encounter.
Court documents reveal that Schabusiness has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Furthermore, she has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, raising questions about her mental state at the time of the alleged crime.
Taylor Schabusiness returns to a Brown County court room after attacking her attorney, Quinn Jolly, during a court hearing in Green Bay, Wis., on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
Last year, a court-appointed physician had already determined Schabusiness was fit to stand trial. However, Mr. Jolly had previously indicated his intention to seek a second opinion, citing a history of bipolar disorder and mental health treatment since seventh grade for his client.
The gruesome details of the case emerged from a criminal complaint, detailing the discovery of Shad Thyrion’s head in a bucket in the basement of a residence. This discovery was made after Thyrion’s mother found the scene of the alleged crime.
Schabusiness reportedly confessed to investigators that she became “crazy” during sex with Thyrion and strangled him with a chain. The criminal complaint provides disturbing quotes attributed to Schabusiness, detailing the act of choking and her disturbing reactions during and after the killing.
Taylor Schabusiness sits on the floor of a Brown County courtroom after attacking her attorney, Quinn Jolly, during a court hearing in Green Bay, Wis., on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
She allegedly told detectives about hiding body parts, even suggesting where officers could find them, stating they would “have fun trying to find all of the organs”. She reportedly mentioned body parts in the basement and even a foot or leg potentially located in a minivan.
Following the courtroom attack, reports suggest that Mr. Jolly is considering withdrawing from the case. When contacted by The Independent, Mr. Jolly’s law firm, Brabazon Law Office, declined to comment, citing ethical considerations.
The attack on her lawyer adds another layer of complexity to the already disturbing case against Taylor Schabusiness, raising further questions about her mental state and the future of her legal representation as she faces trial for the horrific charges against her.
