Alexis Saborit, who beheaded girlfriend America Thayer in front of onlookers, convicted of first-degree murder
SHAKOPEE, Minn. -- A Shakopee man who beheaded his girlfriend inside a car, dumped her body and fled in 2021 has been convicted of murder.
Alexis Saborit was found guilty of first-degree murder by a judge in a stipulated facts trial Thursday, according to court records.
The court found Saborit attacked his girlfriend, 55-year-old America Thayer, on July 28, 2021, as they drove to a court appearance. Witnesses saw a man -- later identified as Saborit -- pull a headless body out of a car at Fourth Avenue and Spencer Street, dispose of a machete and run away.
He was found nearby and arrested.
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In her ruling, the judge found the "nature of the assault" proved Saborit intended to kill Thayer, and that his possession of the machete, threats made prior to the killing and "tumultuous" relationship "marked by frequent arguments and accusations of abuse" showed premeditation.
Because Saborit pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, there are two phases of the court trial -- one to determine guilt, and then another to determine if he is not responsible due to mental illness.
The judge determined he was guilty of the first-degree murder, but will decide if he was responsible for the crime at the court trial later in June.
For anonymous, confidential help, people can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224.
Women's Advocates
Crisis Line: (651) 227-8284
St. Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
Crisis Line: (651) 645-2824
Minnesota Day One
Crisis Line: 1-866-223-1111
Esperanza United
Bilingual crisis line: (651) 772-1611.
