Man Found Not Guilty By Insanity For Decapitating Partner
In a case that has gripped the public’s attention, Alexis Saborit, a man previously found guilty of a horrifying crime involving the murder and decapitation of his girlfriend, America Thayer, has now been deemed not guilty because of mental illness in a recent second part of his trial.
On July 28, 2021, law enforcement apprehended Saborit concerning the gruesome murder of Thayer, whose decapitated body was found on a sidewalk. Opting for a bench trial over a jury trial in May, Saborit was declared guilty of first-degree premeditated murder by First Judicial District Judge Caroline Lennon, after he initially pled not guilty due to mental illness.
According to official reports, the unfortunate day of the incident saw an argument ensue between Saborit and Thayer. The disagreement stemmed from Saborit’s refusal to attend a court hearing related to an arson charge.
The Saborit case entered a second phase of the trial, aimed at establishing his mental state at the time of the crime, as documented in a court record from Scott County on July 17. During this phase, the court called upon the expertise of two professionals in the mental health field, Dr. Andrea Lovett and Dr. Kathryn Jameson. It’s important to note that Saborit’s criminal record is extensive, with prior convictions including domestic abuse, domestic battery, and false imprisonment, among others.
In a telling incident in 2020, a friend of Thayer voiced concerns about Saborit’s escalating physical and psychological abuse to his probation officer, stating that Saborit was experiencing severe mental health issues and expressing fears that Thayer’s life was in imminent danger. However, Thayer refuted these claims, insisting that her friend had concocted the story.
A significant turning point in Saborit’s life was a severe car accident in 2017, where he was intoxicated at the wheel. The incident led to a coma and a traumatic brain injury, following which he reported auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions.
In the wake of his arrest for Thayer’s murder, signs of Saborit’s severe psychosis became increasingly evident. His thought processes were disorganized, his paranoia intensified, and he became a victim of bizarre delusions, including believing that his prison food was poisoned.
Dr. Lovett and Dr. Jameson noted significant signs of mental instability in their interactions with Saborit. Despite attempts to respond coherently to questions, his responses often became jumbled and irrational. Saborit acknowledged the immorality of his actions but also voiced bizarre accusations against Thayer, including claims that she had orchestrated an assault against him.
After a comprehensive analysis, Dr. Lovett concluded that Saborit’s actions on the day of Thayer’s murder stemmed from his mental illness, not the influence of drugs or alcohol, and highlighted his history of psychotic episodes. Dr. Jameson concurred, testifying that Saborit was experiencing genuine symptoms of a psychotic disorder at the time of the offense. Importantly, while Saborit understood the wrongness of his actions, he failed to appreciate their moral implications.
Based on these findings, Judge Lennon ruled Saborit not guilty because of mental illness. She ordered his transfer to a facility operated by the Commission of Human Services. This case illustrates the intricate crossroads of criminal law and mental health, highlighting the necessity of in-depth psychological evaluations in violent crime cases.
On July 28, 2021, law enforcement apprehended Saborit concerning the gruesome murder of Thayer, whose decapitated body was found on a sidewalk. Opting for a bench trial over a jury trial in May, Saborit was declared guilty of first-degree premeditated murder by First Judicial District Judge Caroline Lennon, after he initially pled not guilty due to mental illness.
According to official reports, the unfortunate day of the incident saw an argument ensue between Saborit and Thayer. The disagreement stemmed from Saborit’s refusal to attend a court hearing related to an arson charge.
The Saborit case entered a second phase of the trial, aimed at establishing his mental state at the time of the crime, as documented in a court record from Scott County on July 17. During this phase, the court called upon the expertise of two professionals in the mental health field, Dr. Andrea Lovett and Dr. Kathryn Jameson. It’s important to note that Saborit’s criminal record is extensive, with prior convictions including domestic abuse, domestic battery, and false imprisonment, among others.
In a telling incident in 2020, a friend of Thayer voiced concerns about Saborit’s escalating physical and psychological abuse to his probation officer, stating that Saborit was experiencing severe mental health issues and expressing fears that Thayer’s life was in imminent danger. However, Thayer refuted these claims, insisting that her friend had concocted the story.
A significant turning point in Saborit’s life was a severe car accident in 2017, where he was intoxicated at the wheel. The incident led to a coma and a traumatic brain injury, following which he reported auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions.
In the wake of his arrest for Thayer’s murder, signs of Saborit’s severe psychosis became increasingly evident. His thought processes were disorganized, his paranoia intensified, and he became a victim of bizarre delusions, including believing that his prison food was poisoned.
Dr. Lovett and Dr. Jameson noted significant signs of mental instability in their interactions with Saborit. Despite attempts to respond coherently to questions, his responses often became jumbled and irrational. Saborit acknowledged the immorality of his actions but also voiced bizarre accusations against Thayer, including claims that she had orchestrated an assault against him.
After a comprehensive analysis, Dr. Lovett concluded that Saborit’s actions on the day of Thayer’s murder stemmed from his mental illness, not the influence of drugs or alcohol, and highlighted his history of psychotic episodes. Dr. Jameson concurred, testifying that Saborit was experiencing genuine symptoms of a psychotic disorder at the time of the offense. Importantly, while Saborit understood the wrongness of his actions, he failed to appreciate their moral implications.
Based on these findings, Judge Lennon ruled Saborit not guilty because of mental illness. She ordered his transfer to a facility operated by the Commission of Human Services. This case illustrates the intricate crossroads of criminal law and mental health, highlighting the necessity of in-depth psychological evaluations in violent crime cases.
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The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
