A 44-year-old Cuban illegal immigrant living in Minnesota, Alexis Saborit, was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the appalling public beheading of his girlfriend.
Court documents reveal that Saborit waived his right to a jury trial, resulting in Judge Caroline H. Lennon pronouncing him guilty on May 11.
Scheduled for a review hearing on June 1, Saborit could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Witnesses claim to have seen Saborit and America Thayer, 56, together at Shakopee’s Memorial Park before the horrifying incident occurred a mile away. Saborit assaulted Thayer using a machete and a dumbbell, leading to her decapitation in front of onlookers. He then left her headless body on a busy street.
Police discovered Thayer’s body and apprehended Saborit nearby after he tried to flee. They found the murder weapon in a garbage can.
Court documents depict the couple’s relationship as tumultuous, characterized by constant arguments, abuse allegations, and previous threats. Thayer had attempted to end their 12-year relationship, and Saborit was aware of her plans and knew she wanted to get him out of her life.
Charles Thayer, the victim’s son, expressed relief at the verdict, stressing that his mother did not deserve such a terrible end.
