During a court hearing on Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, Taylor Schabusiness, who is facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and third-degree sexual assault for allegedly attacking Thyrion in February 2022, reportedly assaulted her attorney.
This occurred shortly after the judge indicated that he was going to postpone her trial, which was scheduled for March 6.
Schabusiness, 25, has pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Aside from the pending insanity plea, there is also a pending claim by the defense that Schabusiness is not mentally competent to stand trial.
Competency in this context means the defendant’s capacity to comprehend the legal proceedings and participate in their own defense.
The case can move forward if Schabusiness is deemed competent, but it will be put on hold for further psychiatric treatment if she is found to be not competent.
Some reports have suggested that Schabusiness is competent, but the defense has requested a review by another expert, whose report is not yet ready.
During Tuesday’s court hearing, defense attorney Quinn Jolly requested a two-week delay to allow for the testimony of the expert.
Despite his reluctance, Judge Thomas Walsh agreed to postpone the trial. However, Schabusiness attacked Jolly and had to be subdued by a deputy.
The courtroom was briefly emptied following the attack before the hearing resumed to address scheduling matters.
The postponed competency hearing, originally scheduled for that day, was rescheduled for March 6. The judge suggested that the trial begin on May 15.
Jolly then informed the court that he intended to file a motion to withdraw from the case, although the judge did not immediately make a ruling on that matter.
