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 3 Summary
Day 3 of the Taylor Schabusiness trial focused on digital forensics, family testimony, and the defendant’s recorded confessions. Detectives detailed Schabusiness’ disturbing Google searches, including multiple Jeffrey Dahmer queries, while the victim’s father confirmed seeing Shad and Schabusiness together shortly before his death. Investigators documented cuts on Schabusiness’ hands and presented WiFi data showing her movements between residences on the night of the homicide.
Lead Detective David Graf then guided the jury through Schabusiness’ recorded interviews, where she described strangling Shad, performing sexual acts after his death, dismembering his body with kitchen knives, and attempting to clean the scene. Her statements aligned closely with the evidence found in the home. After the State rested, the defense presented no witnesses, and Schabusiness chose not to testify.
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/
VERDICT REACHED: Beheaded Lover Murder Trial — WI v. Taylor Schabusiness — Day Three, 26th July 2025, Law & Crime Network Youtube Channel, Available online: https://www.youtube.com/live/s1a2jxeiuZM?si=0XOIRRjg0aTiYNTW
