FOND DU LAC, Wis. — A tumultuous scene unfolded in a Wisconsin courtroom on Friday when convicted murderer Taylor Schabusiness, bizarrely lunging at her attorney, forced courtroom officials to physically subdue her, leading to her removal and subsequent hearing via video link.
During her preliminary hearing, Schabusiness, who is currently serving a life sentence at Taycheedah Correctional Institution for the murder of Shad Thyrion in an incident described as a drug-fueled sexual encounter, displayed erratic behavior. Witnesses reported that shortly after the proceedings commenced, Schabusiness suddenly shouted and charged towards her defense lawyer, Curtis Julka.
The disturbance led to immediate action, with courtroom guards quickly tackling Schabusiness to prevent further violence. The episode resulted in her being escorted out of the courtroom. The hearing resumed shortly after, with Judge Anthony Nehls asserting that Schabusiness had effectively forfeited her right to be present by her actions.
Julka thereafter sought permission from Judge Nehls to be relieved of his duties as her counsel, a request that was granted post-hearing. Following this incident, Schabusiness attended the remainder of the session from a separate location via Zoom, where she appeared visibly restrained and still agitated.
During the remote court session, her demeanor was one of visible frustration, constrained in her movements as the legal proceedings continued in her virtual absence.
The hearing in question was not only marked by this outburst but also pertained to additional charges stemming from an alleged attack on a prison nurse and a guard. Details emerged in court about an incident in July 2024 when Schabusiness reportedly attacked prison staff during what began as a request for medical assistance for a staple in her arm. This escalation led to her assaulting the nurse and subsequently a guard who intervened.
Detective Kristina Meilan provided testimony referring to conflicting and disturbing behavior exhibited by Schabusiness during the incident, labeling her laughter during the assault as unsettling. It was on this evidence, among others, that Judge Nehls declared sufficient grounds to take the new charges to trial.
On the day’s proceedings, Schabusiness entered a plea of not guilty to the new assault charges. Subsequent to the disrupted hearing, it was disclosed that her legal representation would shift to Christopher Froelich, who had previously defended her during her initial murder trial.
The series of events underscore the compounded legal troubles for Schabusiness and further expose the underlying challenges of managing defendants with a history of violent conduct, both inside and out of correctional facilities.
This case continues to evoke interest due to its unusual and violent circumstances, as well as its implications for courtroom safety and prisoner management. Legal analysts point out that the implications of such behaviors stretch beyond the immediate safety concerns, potentially impacting legal rights and the administration of justice.
As Schabusiness faces her new trial under continued observation and restraint, the community and legal observers alike await further developments with a keen eye on both the legal outcomes and the broader systemic issues highlighted by this case.