Taylor Schabusiness, the Wisconsin woman convicted of murdering, mutilating, and beheading her boyfriend Shad Thyrion, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole last week. And while most people are happy to lock her up and throw away the key, her lawyer claims that his client “deserves to be happy.” Say what?
- Schabusiness was guilty of some particularly heinous crimes. While she was under the influence of drugs at the time of the murder, Schabusiness was largely remorseless about what she did to Thyrion. In addition to the life sentence without parole, she was also given 7.5 years for mutilating a corpse and 3 years for third-degree sexual assault.
- Her lawyer doesn’t believe the sentence is fair. While Christopher T. Froelich, Schabusiness’ attorney from the Froelich Law Group in Green Bay, admitted that his client has serious issues, he still believes there’s a possibility that she could live a normal, productive life. “I really feel that this young lady should be given a chance at the possibility — not the probability — of getting out on extended supervision or parole someday after decades of work — therapy, counseling,” he told Fox News Digital (via New York Post).
- Froelich plans to appeal the court’s sentence on Taylor Schabusiness’ behalf. While the murderer was given the chance to address the court at her sentencing hearing, she said she had nothing to say. She also wore a spit hood, which many believe was placed on her to hide her expressions when the sentence was read out. However, Froelich said there were “some issues at the jail” earlier in the day and that the hood was worn for that reason. However, he still believes she deserves a chance to get her life together.
- The attorney believes that the case should have ended in a mistrial. Given the level of drama that happened in the courtroom throughout the trial, Froelich believes it was unfair for there to be a verdict at all. “Should a judge be on a case if they witnessed a fight in the courtroom?” Froelich asked. “I heard she tried to flash [the judge] in court. Would that be another reason to get somebody else, another judicial officer? I have no idea.”
- Schabusiness’ relatives traveled 10 hours to hear the verdict. They were disheartened to discover that she will spend the rest of her life behind bars, but Froelich believes their presence is indicative of something greater. “It just shows that Taylor had family members … that really cared about her, had relationships with her,” he claimed. “She’s not a throwaway, she’s not a waste. … We should give her a chance. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
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