GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Another competency exam was ordered Tuesday for the woman accused of killing and decapitating a man.
Taylor Schabusiness, 24, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and third-degree sexual assault for allegedly attacking Shad Thyrion on Feb. 23.
Mental competency refers to a defendant’s ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in her own defense. Schabusiness was found competent to stand trial by a judge in May after a psychological exam, but her attorney again raised concerns about her mental state.
“In July of this year, Ms. Schabusiness’ brother passed away. Since then, there has been a dramatic decline, I believe, in her ability to assist me or to understand what is going on with this case,” her attorney, Quinn Jolly, told the judge. “She has been on suicide watch for approximately two months, which has made it difficult for me to see her and the evaluator to see her. I also recently received records from the jail which also put into question whether she understands what is going on.”
Prosecutors took no position on the request.
Judge Thomas Walsh ordered another competency exam.
Meanwhile, there’s another part of the case addressing Schabusiness’ mental condition at time of the attack.
Schabusiness has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, sometimes referred to as the insanity plea. The results of a psychiatric exam to determine if there is supporting evidence for that plea were not ready, with the evaluator asking for an extension.
The results of both evaluations are scheduled to be discussed Nov. 18.
No trial date has been set. She is being held on a $2 million cash bond.
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