FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Taylor Schabusiness, a convicted killer serving a life sentence at Taycheedah Correctional Institution, made headlines again on April 4, 2025, after she attacked her attorney during a preliminary hearing. This incident marks yet another violent outburst from Schabusiness, who is already notorious for her gruesome crime of murdering and dismembering her boyfriend, Shad Thyrion, in Green Bay in 2022.
During the preliminary hearing, Schabusiness, 27, lunged at her attorney, Curtis Julka, just moments after the proceedings began. Witnesses reported that she jumped from her seat, yelling incomprehensibly as she attempted to reach him. Fortunately, court officers were quick to respond, tackling her to the ground before she could make contact with her lawyer. Following the chaotic scene, the court was temporarily adjourned for approximately 45 minutes.
When the hearing resumed, Schabusiness participated via Zoom, with Judge Anthony Nehls stating that she had waived her right to be present in the courtroom due to her behavior. After the incident, Julka requested to withdraw from representing her, citing the attack. Judge Nehls allowed him to finish the hearing but mentioned that the withdrawal request could be resubmitted later.
Schabusiness's violent behavior is not new; in fact, this incident is the second time she has attacked an attorney. The first occurred in February 2023 when she assaulted her then-lawyer, Quinn Jolly, during a hearing before her murder trial. Following that incident, Jolly withdrew from her case, claiming their attorney-client relationship was "irretrievably broken."
The current preliminary hearing was focused on new charges against Schabusiness for allegedly attacking a prison guard. According to a criminal complaint, on July 24, 2024, Schabusiness requested medical attention for a staple that had lodged in her arm. When a nurse arrived to assist, she reportedly lunged at the nurse and subsequently attacked a guard, hitting her in the head with a tray and swinging a metal table at her. Witnesses described Schabusiness as "laughing" during the altercation.
As a result of her ongoing violent behavior, Judge Nehls has decided that future hearings will proceed with Schabusiness appearing via Zoom to ensure safety in the courtroom. This decision underscores the severity of her actions and the concern for courtroom safety.
Schabusiness was convicted in July 2023 of the brutal murder of Thyrion, whom she killed during a drug-fueled sexual encounter. The crime drew significant media attention due to its horrific nature; she strangled, decapitated, and dismembered Thyrion, leaving his body parts scattered throughout her home and in a vehicle. In a particularly gruesome detail, she decapitated him and placed his head in a bucket for his mother to find.
Since her incarceration, Schabusiness has faced multiple disciplinary issues, including the aforementioned attack on a prison guard, which has led to her current legal troubles. She is charged with battery by prisoners with a repeater modifier, which indicates a history of violent behavior.
As the legal proceedings continue, Schabusiness remains a focal point in discussions about mental health and violence in the criminal justice system. Her behavior raises questions about the adequacy of mental health resources available to inmates and the broader implications for courtroom safety.
In light of Schabusiness's repeated violent outbursts, legal experts are now closely monitoring her case. Many are concerned about how her actions might influence perceptions of the justice system and the treatment of individuals with severe mental health issues.
As of now, Schabusiness's next court date has not been set, and she remains in custody at Taycheedah. The public and legal community will be watching closely as this case unfolds, given its implications for both the justice system and the treatment of violent offenders.
This incident has not only brought attention to Schabusiness's individual case but has also sparked broader conversations about the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in managing violent offenders. With her history of violence and the gruesome nature of her original crime, the future of her legal battles remains uncertain.
As the situation develops, it will be essential to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violent behavior and to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect everyone involved in the judicial process.
