This is the full trial report of the true crime trial of Taylor Schabusiness who dismembered and beheaded her lover Shad Thyrion, designed to catch you up with the nucleus of the case efficiently!
Case Info
Case background:
The case of State of Wisconsin vs. Taylor Schabusiness involves the February 2022 killing and dismemberment of 24-year-old Shad Thyrion in Green Bay. Shad was last seen alive on February 22 after returning home with Schabusiness and going with her into the basement. Early the next morning, his mother and her partner discovered a severed head in a bucket, prompting a police response. Officers located additional body parts in bags, a tote, a backpack, and a crockpot box, along with several knives, cleaning supplies, drug paraphernalia, and a dog choke collar.
According to criminal complaint:
Count 1: 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, repeater – Guilty – Decided on 26th July 2023
Count 2: Mutilating a corpse, repeater – Guilty – Decided on 26th July 2023
Count 3: Third degree sexual assault, repeater – Guilty – Decided on 26th July 2023
Mental Capacity Responsibility: No mental defect or disease – Decided on 27th July 2023
Victim: Shad Thyrion (Deceased)
Date Of Incident: 22 February 2022
Incident Reported: 23 February 2023
Legend:
Repeater = repeat offender
Officers of the court
Judge: Thomas Walsh
Attorneys:
Prosecution: ADA Caleb Saunders, ADA Caucasian Male 2
Defence: Christopher Froelich
Former attorney(s): Quinn Jolly
Legend:
ADA = Assistant District Attorney
Day 2 Summary
Day 2 of the Taylor Schabusiness murder trial delivered some of the most graphic forensic testimony to date, featuring a detailed medical examination of the victim, extensive DNA findings, and the continuation of the State’s timeline-building witness list. Much of the day focused on reconstructing the condition of the crime scene, the dismemberment evidence, and Schabusiness’ movements before and after the killing.
Before the jury entered, the defense attempted to expand expert witness Dr. O’Donnell’s scope. They argued that long-term methamphetamine use, adolescent marijuana exposure, and untreated bipolar disorder may have contributed to Schabusiness’ mental state. The court deferred parts of the argument for later consideration.
Computer forensic examiner Kendall Danowski and Detective Roberta Luberda introduced disturbing digital evidence from Schabusiness’ phone, including searches shortly before the killing for:
- “Jeffrey Dahmer”
- “Cadaver definition”
- “Chef Boyardee blowup doll customized face”
- Occult and extremist terms (“Flaming Pentagram,” “KKK”)
Investigators also recovered photographs of Jeffrey Dahmer stored on her device. This laid groundwork for establishing intent, interest in dismemberment, and pre-offense mindset.
Full report below!
Heinz Report – WI vs. Taylor Schabusiness (2023)
Sources:
Criminal Complaint, Available Online: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21299905-taylor-denise-schabusiness-criminal-complaint/
WATCH LIVE: Beheaded Lover Murder Trial — WI v. Taylor Schabusiness — Day One Part Two, 25th July 2025, Law & Crime Network Youtube Channel, Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTvFI1jPwoU
