5 Shocking Facts About Taylor Schabusiness: The True Crime Case That Gripped Wisconsin

The name Taylor Schabusiness is inextricably linked to one of the most gruesome and shocking true crime cases in recent Wisconsin history. As of December 13, 2025, the convicted murderer is serving a life sentence for the 2022 killing and dismemberment of her lover, Shad Thyrion, a case that dominated national headlines due to its horrific details and the defendant's erratic behavior in court. This article delves into the full timeline of the case, the shocking elements of the crime, and the latest updates from her life behind bars. The intense public interest in the "House of Horrors" murder trial stems from the sheer brutality of the crime and the defendant's bizarre conduct, including a highly publicized courtroom assault on her own attorney. The case serves as a dark cautionary tale, intertwining themes of drug abuse, mental health struggles, and extreme violence, which ultimately led to a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Taylor Schabusiness: A Brief Biography and Case Profile

The individual at the center of this notorious case is Taylor Schabusiness. Her life, prior to the events of 2022, was marked by personal struggles that would later become central to her defense.

• Full Name: Taylor Schabusiness
• Date of Birth: Approximately 1997 (Age 25 at the time of conviction)
• Victim: Shad Thyrion, 24
• Location of Crime: Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Date of Crime: Between February 21 and February 23, 2022
• Charges: First-degree intentional homicide, third-degree sexual assault, and mutilating a corpse.
• Plea: Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
• Verdict: Found Guilty (convicted of all three charges).
• Sentence: Life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• Prior Status: Married and a mother, according to court documents.

The Gruesome Details of the Shad Thyrion Murder

The murder of Shad Thyrion by Taylor Schabusiness is considered one of the most sordid cases in the history of Brown County, Wisconsin. The details presented during the trial were shocking and deeply disturbing, revealing the full extent of the violence that occurred in the basement of Thyrion's mother's home.

The Crime Itself: On February 21, 2022, Schabusiness and Thyrion were together, reportedly consuming methamphetamine (meth) and engaging in sexual activity. During this encounter, Schabusiness strangled Thyrion to death.

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Dismemberment and Mutilation: Following the murder, Schabusiness engaged in the horrific act of dismembering Thyrion's body. Testimony revealed she used a bread knife and other tools to mutilate the corpse. She subsequently scattered the body parts around the basement, including placing the victim's head in a bucket.

Discovery and Confession: The crime was discovered when Thyrion's mother found her son's head in the bucket and called the police. Upon her arrest, Schabusiness reportedly bragged about the murder to investigators, making a chilling comment about "smoking the bitch."

The prosecution later pointed out that her decision to dismember the body and clean the crime scene demonstrated that Schabusiness knew her actions were wrong, which was a key factor in countering her mental illness defense.

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The High-Profile Trial and Mental Disease Defense

The trial of Taylor Schabusiness was a spectacle, drawing significant media attention due to the nature of the crime and the defendant's behavior. The legal proceedings were split into two phases: one to determine if she committed the acts, and a second to determine her mental state at the time of the offense.

Plea of Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect: Schabusiness's defense team argued that she was not guilty because of a mental disease or defect, suggesting her actions were fueled by "meth-fueled madness" and possible mood disorders. However, the jury rejected this defense, finding that she was not mentally ill when she dismembered her ex-boyfriend.

The Courtroom Assault: One of the most shocking moments occurred before the trial when Schabusiness lunged at and assaulted her own defense attorney, Quinn Jolly, during a hearing. This incident further fueled the public narrative of her erratic and unstable nature.

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Internet Search History Evidence: During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence of Schabusiness's internet search history, which reportedly included searches related to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, suggesting a morbid fascination or premeditation that undermined her defense.

The Verdict and Sentencing: In July 2023, a jury found Taylor Schabusiness guilty of all charges. In September 2023, Judge Thomas Walsh sentenced her to life in prison without parole, stating that the public needed to be protected from her.

Latest Updates on Taylor Schabusiness in Prison

Even after her conviction and sentencing, Taylor Schabusiness has remained in the news due to her continued legal and behavioral issues while incarcerated. The most recent updates focus on her life serving a life sentence.

Prison Assault Charge: Schabusiness has faced new charges while in custody. She was charged with assaulting a prison employee. She later pleaded no contest to an assault charge in this separate case.

Dropping the Appeal: Following her conviction, Schabusiness initially filed an appeal. However, reports indicated that the Wisconsin woman dropped her appeal of the murder conviction, which effectively finalized her life sentence for the murder of Shad Thyrion.

The ongoing coverage of her behavior, including her smirky and weird grinning during court appearances, has led to psychological analyses in the media, with experts classifying her as a "psychotic person." The case of Taylor Schabusiness continues to be a major topic in true crime discussions, symbolizing a dark intersection of drug abuse, mental instability, and extreme violence.